THE
ENTOMOLOGIST'S 73
MONTHLY MAGAZINE?
CONDUCTED BY
a. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S. J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
W. W. FOWLEE, D.Sc, M.A., F.L.S.
/
R. W. LLOYD, F.E.S. O. T. PORRITT, F.L.S.
s
J. J. WALKER, M.A., R.N., F.L.S.
SECOND SERIES— VOL. XXV
[VOL. L.]
" Every kingdom, every province, should have its own monographer." —
Gilbert White.
-5?-=»"0-«^-«*-
LONDON:
OURNEY & JACKSON (Mr. Van Voorst's Successors),
33, PATERNOSTER ROW.
1914.
LONDON:
A. NAPIER, PRINTER, SEYMOUR STREET, EUSTON SQUARE, N.W.
1914.
INDEX.
PAGE
Contributors i
General Index ii
Special Index —
Acarina vii
Coleoptera vii
Diptera ix
Hemiptera x
Hymenoptera x
Lepidoptera xi
Special Index [continued)— page
Neuroptera xiii
Orthoptera xiii
Siphonaptera xiii
Thysanoptera xiii
Zoraptera (New Order) xiii
Genera and Species new to Britain ... xiv
ii n 11 ,, ,, Science ... xv
Errata xvi
Explanation of Plates xvi
INDEX TO CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
Austen, E. E 39
Bagnall, R. S., F.L.S 35, 273
Bayford, E. G 40, 61, 289
Beare, Prof. T. EL, B.Sc, P.R.S.E.,
F.E.S 14, 15
Bergroth, Dr. E., C.M.Z.S 116
Britten, H., F.E.S 288
Bury, H 121
Butler, E. A., B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S 176,
220, 223, 283
Cameron, M., M.B., R.N., F.E.S 203
Campion, H 118
Carter, A. E. J 17, 173
Champion, G. C, F.Z.S 53, 61, 7<S, 92,
108, 176, 246, 217, 264, 274, 289
Champion, H. G., B.A., F.E.S 41, 61,
200, 205, 265, 270, 290
Champion, R. J 64, 265, 270, 290
Chapman, T. A., M.D., F.Z.S 13,
22, 120, 237
Collin, J. E., F.E.S 246
Collins, J. 216
Day, F. H., F.E.S 92
Doughty, C. G 155
Edwards, F.W.,B.A., F.E.S. ..59, 139, 168
Edwards, J., F.E.S 30, 139
Fryer, H. F.. F.E.S 8, 10, 84, 85, 109
Fryer, J. C. F., M.A., F.K.S 8, 84
Gardner, J., F.E.S 205
Green, E. E., F.E.S 177, 19Z, 222
PAGE
Haines, F. H., D.P.H., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P 60, 250
Hallett, H. M 175
Hamer, S. H 156
Harwood, W. H 119, 120
Hudson, G. V., F.E.S 94, 121
Joy, N. H., M.R.C.S., F.E.S 83, 104,
119, 195, 214, 258
Keys, J. H., F.E.S 61, 106, 204, 284
Kirkpatrick, T. W 211
Longstaff,G. B.,M.A.,M.D., F.L.S .1, 289
Lyle, G. T., F.E.S 289
Manders, Col. N. E., A.M.S., F.Z.S.... 174
Mansbridge, W 17, 95, 179
Meyrick, E., B.A., F.R.S 219
Morice, Rev. F. D., M.A., F.E.S 48,
115, 207, 270, 286
Morley, C, F.E.S 16, 93, 97, 205
Morton, K. J., F.E.S 16, 56
Munro, J. W., B.Sc 15
Murray, J 165
Newbery, E. A 79, 91, 105, 139,
213, 222, 217
Nicholson, C, F.E.S 17, 203
Nurse, Col. G. C, F.E.S 65
Perkins, R. C. L., D.Sc, M.A., F.Z.S ... 31,
71, 95, 112, 144, 248, 250
Porritt, G. T., F.L.S. .45, 65, 157, 251, 275
Richardson, N. M., M.A 93, 249
PAGE
Rothschild, Hon. N. C, M.A., F.L.S.
115, 274
Scott, H., B.A., F.E.S 221
Sharp, D.,M.A.,F.R.S 80, 103,
128, 167, 246, 259
Sich, A., F.E.S 250
Thompson, F., M.R.C.S., L.R.C. P. ... 120
Tomlin, J. R. le B., M.A., F.E.S 214
Trimen, R., M.A., F.R.S 281
Turner, H. J 18, 43, 69, 97, 122, 158,
180, 206, 223, 252, 279, 295
PAGE
Wallis, H. W 155
Walker, J. J., M.A., R.N., F.L.S 15,
118, 181, 194, 224, 247, 218, 275, 289,
290
Walsh, G. B.,B.Sc 40, 62, 63, 119, 155
Waters, E.G. R., M.A 240
Waterston, Rev. J., B.D., B.Sc 88, 159
Watson, Major A. O. C 254
Wheeler, Rev. G..F.Z.S ...19 70, 123, 157,
223,' 253, 280, 296
Wood, J. H., M.B 152
GENERAL IN DEX.
PAGE
Abnormal coupling in insects ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 250
Abundance of the Gooseberry saw-fly, Pteronus ribesii, Scop., 250; of
Pyrameis cardui at Bridlington, 275 ; near Sheffield ... ... ... 289
Abraxas grossulariata, variety nigrosparsata, On the breeding of the ... 65
Acalyptus rufipennis, Gyll., Reoccurrence of, in Oxfordshire 118
Aculeate Hymenoptera in the Woking district ... ... ... ... 290
Aepophilus bonnairei, Sign., Some further remarks on 284
Agriades damon and Plebeius argyrognomon, The larva; of 22
Amara alpina, F., at Braemar ... ... .. ... ... ... ... 14
Anchomcnus atratus, Panz., and A. dahli, Borre, On... ... ... ... 105
Andrena ambigua, Perk., Change of name for, 95 ; minutula group,
synopsis of the British forms of the, 71, 112; mixta, Schenck, a
species hitherto unrecorded from Britain, 144 ; nana of British authors
distinct from A. nana of Kirby, 34; two hermaphroditic specimens
of, and a monstrous form of Salius exaltatus, Fab. ... ... ... 218
Antennae, deformed, in certain beetles, A note on / 62
Anthicus bifasciatus, Rossi, a species new to Britain ... ... ... 84
Another new Order of insects ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 91
Apparatus designed for setting small insects ... ... ... ... ... 120
Atemeles paradoxus, A note on the pairing of... ... ... ... ... 61
Arachnocoris, Scott, Note on the genus 116
Aradus lawsoni, Saunders — synonymical note... ... ... ... ... 92
Berytus signoreti, On the ova and young larva? of 220
Bledius bernhaueri, Cam., change of name 203
Buddleia as an attraction to Lepidoptera, 248 ; and butterflies : an
American note, 289 ; globosa, species of Oionus on 248
Bupalus piniarius, Some observations on, 200; the ravages of in Prussia 41
Butterflies, Further notes on scents in 1
Callidium (Pyrrhidium) sanguineum in Essex 119
Carabus clathratus, L., The distribution of, with an attempt to confute the
record of its occurrence in England 97
m.
PAGE
Cateremna terebrella, Zk., and Retinia resinella, L., Notes on the breeding
of 205
Ceuthorrhynchus chalybseus of Continental authors, On the occurrence in
Britain of, with remarks on some allied species ... ... ... ... 30
Chionotopus, an unrecorded genus of Coleoptera ... ... ... ... 246
Chloroform killing and relaxing- bottle, A ... ... ... ... 94, 175
Cionus, Species of, on Buddleia globosa ... ... ... ... ... 248
Coccid, A new British (Ktiwania britanniea) ... ... ... ... ... 197
Coccinella hieroglyph ica, L., On the variation in Britain of, with some
collateral matter ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 139
Coleoptera in the Aberdeen district, 254 ; aquatic, in Cumberland, 155 ;
from Bengal, a few, &c, 61 ; at Cloghane, Co. Kerry, 214; from Grey-
well, Hants, a few, &c, 247; in the Plymouth district, 204: from
Sutherland flood-rubbish, 195 ; some interesting captures during 1913 63
Colias edusa, F., 9 , An aberration of ... ... ... ... ... •■■ 15
Crambus lithargyrellus, Hiibn., and C. poliellus, Treitschke, Some notes
on 115
Criocephalus feru?, Kraatz, at Oxford ... ... ... ... ... ... 246
Cryptorrhynchus lapathi, L., in Forfarshire ... ... ... ... ... 15
Danaida plexippus, L. (Uanais archippus, F), The Geographical Distribu-
tion of, with especial reference to its recent migrations, 181, 224;
further British records of, 249 ; some more British records of ... 290
Diazosma (Trichocera) hirtipennis, Siebke, Note on ... ... ... ... 246
JDicranura bifida, Early emergence of . . . ... ... ... ... ... 155
Didea alneti. Fin., in Gloucestershire ... ... ... ... ... ... 17
Diptera, Two additions to the British list of, 173 ; notes on the breeding
of two species of, 65 ; from the neighbourhood of Marlborough,
including one species new to Britain, 244 ; two uncommon species of
British, notes on ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ••• 66
Do House-flies hibernate ? ... ... ... ... ... ... 39, 60
Dolichopus caligatus, Wahlb., in Perthshire 17
Dorcatoma punctulata, Mids., in England 167
Dorytomus maculatus, Marsh. ( — tamiatus, F.) and D. costirostris, Gyll.
(dejeani, Faust) of British Collections, On ... ... ... ... 213
Dryophilus anobioides, Chevr., near Brandon, Suffolk 247
Earwigs at " sugar " ... ... ... ... ... ■ • • • • • • • • 205
Editorial 125
Eriophyes tristriatus var. erineum, Nal., in Forfarshire 15
Euperitelus, Ch. : synonymical note ... ... ... ... ... ••• 274
Euphorus bistigmaticus, Mori., and Neoneurus halidaii, Marsh., synonymy
of 16
Euthrips tamicola, A new species of Thysanoptera from the flowers of the
Black Bryony 273
Gabrius primigenius, Joy, a new British beetle ... ... ... ... 258
Galerucella tenella, L., A melanic form of ■ 248
Gyrinus, The British species of 128
Haliphis striatus, Sharp, Abtuidance of, in Yorkshire 119
PAGE
Haltica, Notes on some British species of, 259 ; on the heath-frequenting
species of the genus ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 289
Hastula hyerana, Mill., at Eeigate 120
Helophorus, A new species of ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 103
Help-Notes towards the determination of British Tenthredinidse, &c...
48, 145, 207
Hemianax ephippiger, Burm., in Ireland ... ... ... ... ... 16
Hermaphroditic specimens of Andrena, Two 218
Hesperia, the occurrence of a (new ?) species of, in Egypt ... ... ... 174
Homalota (Bessobia) occulta, and H. fungivora, Some observations on the
specific characters of . . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 106
Homonotus (Pompilus) sanguinolentus, F., in Surrey : with notes on the
characters of the $ and the distribution and nomenclature of the
genus ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 270
Homoptera, A genus of, &c, new to the British list ... ... ... ... 8
Hoplia philanthus near Cambridge, and Homaloplia ruricola in Oxford-
shire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 221
Host and parasite emerging from one larva ... ... ... ... ... 13
Humble-bee attacked by a Dip teron, A... ... ... ... ... 93, 120
Hydrothassa marginella, L., Note on a dark form of, from Killarney ... 246
Hygropora cunctans, Er., a genus and species of Staphylinidse new to the
British list 194
Kuwania britannica, A new British Coccid ... ... ... ... ... 197
Laemophlceus ater, 01., in pine and beech ... ... ... ... ... 247
Lepidoptei-a in Surrey in 1913, Notes on, 64 ; Micro-, in the Oxford District 240
Literature, Recent ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 276
Lygus rubicundus. Fall. : an addition to the list of British Hemiptera ... 283
Mai thodes crassicornis, Maklin, A new British beetle ... ... ... 104
Methoca ichneumonoides, Latr., Observations on the life-history of ... 266
Moth, A new, parasitic on spiders ... ... ... ... ... ... 219
Mysia oblongo-guttata, L., ab. nigroguttata, Dollm., 176 ; a further note on 203
Neoclytus acuminatus, F., in Yorkshire ... ... ... ... ... 40
Neonurus halidaii, Marsh., Synonymy with Elasmosoma berolinense,
Ruthe 93
Neuraphes angulatus, Mull., in Scotland ... ... ... ... ... 15
Nomiades semiargus, Rott., in Kent ... ... ... ... ... 222, 250
Obituaries : Rev. Edwin Newson Bloomfield, 157 ; Jules Desbrochers des
Loges, 43 ; Henry Herbert Lyman, M.A., 252 ; Ernest Olivier, F.E.S.,
67 ; Petr Petrovich Semenoff-Tian-Shansky, 121 ; Philip Reese Uhler,
LL.D., 43 ; William Warren, M.A., F.E.S., 279, 294 ; John H. Wood,
M.B 277
Ocy visa def ecta, Rey, in Westmorland ... ... ... ... ... ... 92
Odonata, List of, collected at Tozeur, S. Tunisia, by Mr. Gr. C. Champion
in May, 1913, 118 ; from Van, Turkey in Asia, Notes on a collection of 56
Oreopsyche pyrenaella, H.-S., A note on ... ... ... ... ... 237
Parascotia fuliginaria, L., at Camberley ... ... ... ... ... 222
PAGE
Philhydrus halophilus, Bedel : an addition to the British list of Coleoptera,
79; supplementary and corrective note on, 139; from Sussex... ... 119
Philydrus, Note on British ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 83
Phloeophthorus rhododactylus, Marsh., in Aberdeenshire ... ... ... 15
Phora, Notes on British (further additions) ... ... ... ... ... 152
Pieris brassier, A possible third brood of, 275 ; third brood of ... ... 289
Platyptilia miantodacty la, The food-plant of .. . ... ... ... ... 274
Plebeius argyrognomon and Agriades damon, The larvae of , . . ... ... 22
Pompilid, Evidence of memory and reasoning in a ... ... ... ... 121
Pompilus (Homonotus) sanguinolentus, F., in Surrey ... ... ... 270
Proteinus crenulatus, Pand., in Cumberland, 1 55 ; limbatus, Wahlb.
(crenulatus, Pand.) in Westmorland and Cumbei-land ... ... ... 92
Pseudonympha (SatyrinaB), Description of a new species of, from South
Africa 281
Psylla hippophaes, Forst., A note on, 205; an additional note on... ... 223
Pterostich us parumpunctatus, Germ., in the Newcastle district ... ... 40
Pygolampis bidentata, Goeze, in the New Forest ... ... ... ... 176
Pyrameis cardui, Abundance of, at Bridlington, 275 ; near London, 289 ;
near Sheffield, abundance of... ... ... .. ... ... ... 289
Quedius puncticollis, Thorns., accompanying Lasius fuliginosus, Latr. ... 247
Eeviews : — " Diptera Danica, Part IV : Dolichopodidse," by William
Lundbeck, 41 ; " Fabre, Poet of Science," by Dr. C. V. Legros, with a
preface by Dr. J. H. Fabre : translated by Bernard Miall, 42 ; " The
Life of the Fly," into which are interspersed some chapters of Auto-
biography by J. Henri Fabre, translated by Alexander Texeiro de
Mattos, F.Z.S., 42 ; " The North American Dragon-flies of the genus
jEshna," by E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B., 67 ; " Insect Life : its why and
wherefore," by the Rev. Hubert G. Stanley, F.E.S., 68; "Common
British Moths," by A. M. Stewart, 68 ; " Second Supplement to the
Lepidoptera of the Isle of Purbeck," by Nelson M. Richardson, B.A.,
95 ; " The Indian Journal of Medical Research," 156 ; " Syrphidae of
Ohio," by C. L. Metcalf, 156 ; " Entomology, with special reference to
its Biological and Economic Aspects," by Justus Watson Folsom, Sc.D.
(Harvard), 177 ; " A Text-book of Medical Entomology," by Walter
Scott Patton, M.B., I.M.S., and Francis William Cragg, M.D., I.M.S.,
F.E.S., 179; "Common British Beetles," by the Rev. Charles A. Hall,
F.R.M.S., 179 ; " Report and Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists'
Society, Vol. XLV1, 1913, 251 ; " Supplement to Dr. Sharp's Coleoptera
of Scotland," by Anderson Fergusson, 276 ; " The, Genitalia of the
British Geometridse," by F. N. Pierce, F.E.S., 291 ; The Label List of
British Lepidoptei"a ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 294
Scents in Butterflies, Further notes on ■•• ... ... ... ... 1
Scopseus rubidus of British Collections : synonymical note... ... ... 91
Siphonaptera, Scottish, Some records of ... ... ... ... 88, 159
Sirex juvencus, L., and Monochamus sartor, L., in Yorkshire ... ... 64
Societies : Entomological Society of London, 19, 70, 123, 159, 223, 253,
280, 296 ; Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society, 17, 95, 179 ;
South London Entomological Society, 18, 43, 69, 97, 122, 158, 180, 206,
223, 252, 279, 295 ; Yorkshire Natui-alists' Union, Entomological
Section ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 45, 157
PAOE
83
Sphoeridium, F., A note on the British species of
Sphex xanthocephala, Forster (a British insect, but ignored in British
lists), What was ?
Teratology, venational, A remarkable case of, in Diptera ...
Thysanoptera (Tubal if era), Descriptions of some new British species of,
with notes on various described forms
Timarcha punctata, Laich. — an introduction by commerce...
Tortrix pronubana, Hb., in Chiswick ...
Triungulin, a Meloid, attached to a Telephorid
Trypodendron domesticum, L., and Phloeophthorus rhododactylus, Marsh.,
in Forfarshire ...
Tunisia, Southern, An excursion to, with notes on some of the Coleoptera,
etc., met with ...
Typhlocybidse, Additional species of British
Vanessa antiopa in Berks, 177 ; in Norfolk
Wet seasons and Acarid parasites on insects
Wicken Fen
Xantholimis cribripennis, Fauvel, in Oxfordshire and Berkshire,
scoticus, Joy .- synonymical note ...
Xylophilidas, Notes on the Australian, described by Blackburn, with a
description of a remarkable new species from Queensland 264
286
59
35
155
250
108
15
53, 76
... 168
... 275
94, 121
.. 155
1;
.. 222
SPECIAL INDEX
ACAR1NA.
PAGE
Eriophyes tristriatns, y. erinnenm 15
COLEOPTERA.
Acalles roboris, turbatus
Aealyptus vufipennia
Acanthoeinus sedilis .......
Acidota crenata 196,
Acrulia inflata
Actobius ytenensia
Adelphinus suturalis
Adimonia barbara
Agabua arcticua, 255 ; conaperaua
Agapanthia lineatocollis
Agrilus laticomis
Agriotea sordidua
Aleochara btevipennia, 215 ; mcerens,
255; obscurella, 255 ; snccicola
Amara alpiua
Anchomeuusatratus,dahli, 105; thoreyi...
Aniaodactylua binotatus, v. spurcaticornia
Anisotoma rugoaa
Antherophagus nigricornia, 12; palleua..
Anthicus bifaaciatua
Anthocomus rufua 86,
Anthonomus comari, 21" ; consperana ...
Aphodiua constans, etc., 13 ; conatrictua,
77; lappouum, 14, 196; lividua, 13,
61 : nemoralia
Aphthona luteacena, etc
Apion urticariurn, etc., 110 ; vicinum ...
A romia moachata
Aapidiphorua orbiculatua
Atemeles paradoxua
Atheta britteni, 195; eremita, etc., 196;
pellucida
Atomaria munda, etc
Aulacophora abdominalia
Barynotus achonherri
Bembidium praainum, punctulatum, etc..
Blediua bernhaueri, 203 ; defenaua, guli-
elmi, 63; renominatua (n.n.) 203;
taurua, unicornia, vitulus
Brachytaraua fasciatua, variua
Bruchua rufimauus
Bryaxia foaaulata, 11 ; waterhouaei
Calathua nubigena 11,
Callidium aanguiueum
Calodera a-thiopa
Ill
118
257
216
63
258
76
55
63
87
85
86
215
14
204
215
64
63
84
217
14
14
88
217
87
201
61
78
12
61
196
255
111)
87
201
63
119
201
Calyptomerns dabius 10
Carabua clathratua, 97, 215 ; nitena 254
Casaida nebnlosa, nobiha 88
Cathartna advena 12, 20 1
Ceuthorrhynchns alliariae, 257 ; angu-
loaus, 111; chalybsens, 30; hirtulus,
33 ; moguntiacns, 32 ; nasturtii, 247;
raps, 111; timidus, 32; viduatua ... Ill
Wiionotopua 24'5
Choleva auiaotomoidea, 10, 15; cistel-
oidea, colonoidea, 10 ; apadicea, 10,
15; wilkini 15
Chrysomela banksi, 217 ; marsrinata 87
Cionua pulchellua, etc.,248; tuberculosus 247
Cia villosulua 87
Ciatela ceramboides 109
Clytua erythrocephalus, 40 ; mysticus ... 87
GoGcinella hieroglyphica, 63, 139; 11-
punctata v. brevifaaciata 214
Coelambua ina>qualia, 215 ; novemlineatus 255
Conopalpua testaceus 109
Corymbitea cupreua, 256 ; metallicna ... 256
Coryphium angusticolle 204
Criocephalua ferns 246
Cryptophagua pallidua, 215 ; piloaua, etc 12
Cryptorrhynchus lapathi 15, 111
Cychrua roatratua 215
Cymindia vaporariorum 14
Deliphrum tectum 256
Dendrophilus punctatus 11
Deronectea latua 155
Diapromorpha melanopus 61
Donacia cinerea, etc 87
Dorcatorna chryaomelina. dreadeuais, fla-
vicornia, puuctalata 167
Dorytomua coatiroatria, 204, 213 ; dejeani,
213 ; hirtipennis, 111 ; maculatua,
213; melauophthalmus, 111; pecto-
ralia, 111; t;euiatua 213
Dryophilus anobioidea, 247 ; puaillua 204
Dytiacua circumciuctua 63
Enicmua teataceua 20 1
Ennearthron cornutum 87
Eremazua uniatriatua 77
Ernobiua mollia 257
Erirrhinua bimaculatua 110
Euperitelua albovarius 275
Eurynebria complanata 55
(iabriua keyaianua, 214 ; primigeniua 258
Galerucella teuella, var 218
Georyssus pygmaeus 13
(ilaresis beckeri 77
Gnathoncus iiaiiiictensis 11
Grypidins equiseti HO, 257
Gyiiaus edwardsi, 137; minutus, etc.,
131 ; natator v. oblitus (var. n.) 133
Haliplus striatus 03, 119
Halticaericeti, 259, 289; britteni (sp.n.),
261, 289 ; lythri, 247 ; ytenensis
(u.n.) 263
Haploenemus nigricornis £6
H arpalus quadripunctatue 14
Heledoua agaricola 109
Helophorus granulans, 104; ytenensis
(sp. u.) 103
Helops pallidus 04
Himatismus perrandierei 78
Hippodamia variegata H
Hister bissexstriatus, 214; merdarius,
11 ; neglectus, 196 ; purpurascens,
unicolor H
Homalium allardi, 204 ; mouilicorne, 256 ;
rttgulipenne 214, 256
Homaloplia ruricola 221
Homalotacauta, etc., 216 ; eichhoffi, 204 ;
fungivora, 106 ; hameralis, 204 ;
malleus, 214 ; occulta, 106; orbata.. 204
Hoplia philauthus 221
Hybosorus illigeri 77
Hydra-na gracilis, nigrita 155
Hydroporus ferrngineus, 03 ; incognitas,
etc., 215; melanarius, 214; umbro-
sus 63
Hydrothassa marginella (var.) 246
Hygropora cnnctans 194
Hylastes cunicularius 257
Hypocyptus di>coideus 247
Hypophlceus bicolor 109
Labidostomis taxicoruis 55
Laccobius regularis 204
Liemophlanis ater 247
Lathrobium quadrature 216
Liodes orbicularis 10
Lissotarsus bedeli 78
Lixus paraplecticus 110
Longitarsus anchusSe, 257 ; holsaticus,
196,217; distraguendns, dorsalis ... 8"
Lnciola vespertina 61
Magdalis atmigera, barbicomis, cerasi .. Ill
Malachius aeneus 86
Malthodes crassicornis 104
Melasoma populi 63, 87
Meligethes fulvipes, solidus, syinphyti,
vidnatus 12
PAGE
Microglossa suturalis 218
Micropeplus caelatus, 215 ; margaritae,
11 ; porcatus, 196; staphylinoides... 11
Micrnrula melanocephala 12
Miscodera arctica 14, 62
Monochamus sartor 64
Mordella fasciata 1"9
Mordellistena abdbminalis, hameralis ... 109
Mycetophagus multipunctatus 12
Mycetoporus clavicornis, 196 ; lougi-
cornis 214
Mycterus pulverulentus 55
Myllocerus blandus 61
Mysia oblongo-guttata var. uigrogutt-
ata 176, 203
Nacerdes melanura 109
Nebria livida 63
N'ecropborus interruptus, vestigator 10
Nemosoma elougatum 12
Neoclytus acuminatus 40
Neuraphes angulatus 14
Oberea oculata 8/
Ochthebius poweri, 204 ; vindis 214
Ocyusa defecta 92
Odacantha melanura 247
GKdemera barbara, basalis 55
Oides flava 61
Omophlus coeruleus 76
Omosiphora limbata 12
Oucophorus pirazzolii 77
Oodes helopioides 247
OpOo mollis 86
Orobitis cyaueus 217, 257
Orchesia micans 109
Orthochaetes setiger HO
Orthoperus atomus 217
Ospbya bipunctata 109
Otiorrhynchus blaudus, 257 ; scabrosus... 217
Oxyomus porcatus 13
Oxypoda edinensis, exigua, 196 ; specta-
bilis, 204, 255 ; umbrata 196
Parnus ernesti 196
Patrobus assimilis, 215 ; septeutriouis ... 14
Peribrotus pustulosus 275
Phalacrus caricis 11
Philbydrus frontalis, 79,82 ; fuscipennis,
80; halophilus, 79, 119, 139; mariti-
mus v. brevipalpis (var. u.), 83;
minutus 63
Philonthus fumigatus, 204 ; micans, &c,
216; puella ■ 256
Phlieobium clypeatum 15
IX.
Phloeophthorus rhododactylns 15, 258
Phyllotreta nodicornis, 87 ; ochripes,
siuuata 88
Phytobius 4-tuberculatus Ill
Phytcecia cylindrica 87
Phytosus spinifer 204
Pientognathus asperipennis 78
Pimelia cylindrica, 77 ; grossa, 55 ; re-
trospinosa, 77 ; semiopaca 76
Pissodes notatus 257
Probosca viridana 55
Proteinus limbatus (crenulatus) 92, 155
Psammoecus bipunctatus 12
Psylliodes dulcamara?, 88; marcida, 217;
picina 88
Pterostichus parumpunctatus, 40 ; vitreus 62
Quedius fulvicollis, fumatus, nigriceps,
255 ; puncticollis, 247 ; scintillans,
196; nmbrinus 196, 216, 255
Rhagium indagator 257
Rhagonycha barbara, 55, 108 ; fuscicoruis 86
Rhiuoncusbruchoides, 111 ; gramineus ... 257
Saperda carcharias 87
Saprinus virescens 11
Scaphidema metallicum 109
Scolytus intricatus, pruni Ill
Scopasus minimus, 92 ; rubidus, 91 ; ryei 92
Sericoderus lateralis 11
Silis ruficollis 86, 247
Silpha atrata, v. brunnea, 63; obscura,
tristis 10
Sphieridium quadrimaculatum 83
Sphindus dubius 204
Stenus geniculatus, 216, 256 ; latifrons,
etc., 196; melanarius, 204 ; uitens... 216
Stilbusatomarius.il; oblongus 11, 247
Symbiotes latus 11
Telephorus figuratus, etc. 86
Telmatophilus brevicollis 12
Tetratoma t'ungorum 109
Thorictus pauciseta 76
Thryogenes scirrhosus Ill
Tillus elongatus 86
Timarcba punctata 155
Tiresias serra 13
Triplax senea 11, 63
Trogophloeus f uliginosus 204
Tropiphorus tomentosus 110
Trypodendron domesticum 15
Xantholinus angustatus, 222 ; cribripen-
nis, 196, 288; distans, 290; nitidi-
collis, 222; scoticus 195, 222
PAGE
Xestobium tessellatum 86
Xylophiliis malleif er (sp. n.), 264; ocula-
tus, populneus 109
DIPTERA.
Amalopis schiueri 173
Anthomyia procellaris 65
Anthracophaga frontosa 65
Anthrax cingulatus 211
Aphiochajta albidohalteris, derasa, 154 ;
elongata, submeigeni, 153; vestita.. 154
Argyra auricollis 173
Campsicnemus curvipes 244
Chilosia rnutabilis, 215 ; vulpiua 244
Chrysotoxum octomaculatum 245
Criorrhiua asilica floccosa, oxyacanthse.. 215
Diazosma (Trichocera) hirtipennis 246
Didea alueti 1"
Dioctria celandica 244
Dolichopus caligatus, 17 ; longitarsis,
planitarsis 244
Exorista vetula 215
Helophilus frutetorum 245
Hyetodesia variegata 215
Hypocera irregularis 154
Ischyrosyrphus laternarius 245
Isopogon brevirostris 244
Leptogaster guttiventris 214
Merodon equestris, var. narcissi 245
Musca domestica 39
Nemotelus proboscideus 76
Neurigona suturalis 244
Odontomyia argentata 241
Orthoneura brevicornis, nobilis 244
Phora connexa 152
Platychirus fulviventris 245
Psilosoma lefebvrii 66
Rhacochlama toxoneura 66, 215
Sapromyza lupulina 206
Simulium 76
Stratiomys potamida 244
Syrphus diaphanus, labiatarum, luuula-
tus, nigricornis, umbellatarum 245
Tacbydromia annulipes, articulata 59
Teuchophorus pectinifer, signatus 42
Trichocera hirtipennis 244
Volucella bombylaus, var. haemorrhoi-
dalis 215
HEMIPTERA.
PAGE
Aepophilus bonnairei 284
Alhcorhynehus 116
Arachnocoris, the genus, ] 16 ; albomacn-
latus, torqnatus (sp. n.) 117
Aradus lawsoni, truncatus 92
Arseopus pulchellus 8, 9
Aspidiotus ostreaeformis 197
Berytus clavipes, siguoreti 220
Chlorita aurautiaca 168
Dicyphus annulatus 206
Eriococcus devoniensis 197
Euidella speciosa 9
Grypotes pinetellus 9
Herdonius (?) panamensis 116
Kuwania britannica (sp. n.) 197
Lygus rubicundus 283
Liburnia longipennis 247
Macrotylus paykulli 206
Mecidea pallida 77
Mytilaspis pomorum, ulmi 197
Pararachnocoris 116
Psylla hippophaes 20", 223
Pulvinaria vitia 197
Pygolanipis bidentata 176
Salda cocksii 285
Stiroma affinis 200
Typhlocyba bidentata (n. sp.), cam
(n. sp.), distincta (n. sp.), 170;
diversa (u. sp.), 171 ; plebeja (n.
sp.), 169; prunicola (n. sp.), 1(58;
tersa (n. sp.) 169
Velidia berytoides 116
Zygina flammigera, neglecta (u. sp.),
tiliise 171
HYMENOPTERA.
Ainmophila hirsuta, lutaria 291
Andrena albicans, 250; alfkenella(n.sp.),
72, 112; ambigua, 95, 114; analis,
291 ; argentata, 291 ; bimaculata,
218 ; cetii, 291 ; denticulata, 291 j
flavipes, 218; helvola group, 144;
miuutula group, British species of,
71, 112; minutuloides (n. sp.), 114 ;
mixta, 144 ; moricella, (u. sp.), 113 ;
nana, 34; nauula, 115; parvuloides
(n.sp.), 114; schenckella, 34; spreta,
35; synadelpha (n. n.), 95, 141;
variaus 291
Aiithidiuin manicatum 291
Authophora furcata, retusa 291
Agrypon anomelas 27
Apanteles cougestus 14
Astata boops 291
PAGE
Bombus jonellus, 291, ; lapidarius, terres-
tris 251
Cerceris arenaria, 2^7, 291 ; labiata,
ornata 291
Ceropales maculatus 291
Cilissa leporina 291
CceHoxys acuminata, elongata, quadriden-
tata, rufescens 291
Crabro clavipes, 291 ; cribrarius, 287 ;
gonager, 291 ; hawaiiensis, 250 ;
palmarius, panzeri, varius 291
Dasypoda hirtipes 291
Elasmosoma berolinense 93
Epeolus productus, rufipes 291
Euphorus bistigmaticus 16
Gorytes bicinctus, quadrifasciatus 291
Halicfcus decipiens, minutus, 291 ; xan-
thopus, 250 ; zonulus 291
Hedychridium roseum 291
Homonotus sanguinolentus, 270, 290 ;
the genus 272
Lasius fuliginosus, 247 ; niger, yar. ali-
enus 206
Macrocentrus abdominalis 205
Macropis labiata 291
Megachile ligniseca, maritima, versicolor 291
Methoca ichueumonoides 266, 290
Microplitis tuberculifera 13, 14
Mimesa bicolor, shuckardi 291
Mutilla europaja 290
Myrmosa melanocephala 290
Neoneurus halidaii 16, 93
Nesomimesa hawaiiensis 250
Nomada alboguttata, jacob;eaj, lineola,
sexfasciata 291
Oxybelus mandibularis, uuiglumis 291
Phanerotoma planifrons 205
Philanthus triaugulum 286
Podalirius pilipes, retusus 1 20
Pompilus bicolor, cinctellus, pectinipes,
rufipes, 290 ; plumbeus, 206 ; san-
guinolentus 276
Prosopis brevicornis, genalis 291
Psithyrus 291
Pteronus ribesii 251
Salius exaltatus, 218, 291 ; parvulus,
pusillus, 291; wakefieldi 121
Sirex juvencus 64
Sphex xanthocephala 286
Tenthredopsis, the genus, 48 ; species
of 147, 210
Tiphia fcmorata 290
LEPIDOPTERA.
PAGE
Abraxas grossulariata, 70, 251 ; vars. ni_-
grosparsata and varleyata 4", 65
Acentropus niveus 211
Aciilalia circellata, 180; niargiuepunct-
ata 69
Aciptilia baliodactylus, 243; galactodac-
tylus, 241; tetradactyus 242
Acronycta menyanthidis 47
yEgeria acolisefonnis 19
Agraulis vanilla; 3
Agriades damou, 22 ; thersites, 19, 22 ;
thetis, vars 22, 46
Agrotis agathina 47
Albuliua pheretes 279
Alispa angustella 241
Alucita lienigialis 64
Amauris albimaculata, echeria, ochlea 254
Amblyptilia teucrii 241
Amphipyra pyramidea 253
Anchoeelis rufina var 47
Angerona prunaria var 45
Anosia menippe 290
Anthocharis simplonia 279
Apatura ilia, iris 253
Aphantopus hyperanthus 19
Aphelia osseana 242
A phrissa statira 5
Aplecta uebulosa, 19, 96; occulta 45
Appias libythea 21
Argina avgus 1 58
Argynnis aglaia 44, 250
Argyrolepia cuicana, 241 ; hartmanniana,
242 ; subbaumanuiana, 242 ; zephyr-
ana 241
Aricia eumedon 279
Asthenia pygma-ana 295
Bactra furi'uraua 241
Batrachedra stegodyphobius 220
Belenois gidica, mesentina 7
Boarmia repandata 96
Botys hyalinalis, pandalis 243
Brachmia xerophaga (sp. n.) 219
Brephos parthenias, var 45
Bupalis piniarius 41, 2§
Byblia ilithyia 3
Calopieris eulimene 6
Capua favillaceana 241
Carpocapsa grossana, splendana 242
Cateremna terebrella 04, 205
Catopsilia florella 4
Catoptria albersana, 242 ; expallidana,
241; hypericana 243
Celastrina argiolus 44, 223
Ceratiuia fenestella 2
Chalcosia venosa, zetica 123
Choerocampa celerio, 96 ; nerii 18
Chore utes mvller ana 241
Chrosis alcella, 242 ; rutilana 243
Chrysocoris festaliella 241
Cidaria concinnata, 45 ; suffumata, var. 124
Coccyx nanana, py^m;ijana, splendidu-
lana, 242; strobilella 158
Cokems julia 3
Coliasedusa 5, 15, 45, 123, 279
Conchylis dilucidana, smeathmanniana,
stramineana 241
Coremia quadrifasciaria 19
Crambus dumetellus, 64 ; falsellus, 241 ;
geniculeus, 243; lithargyrellus, 115;
pinellus, 243 ; poliellus, 115 ; selas-
ellus 242
Ciyptoblabes bistriga 241
Danaida eresimus. 2 ; plexippus, 2, 181,
224, 249, 290
Danaia archippus, 2, 181, 224, 249 ; ere-
simus 2
Daptonoura lycimnia 6
Dasychii a fascelina, vars 158
Dianthiecia capsophila, 19 ; carpophaga,
47 ; cucubali, 18 ; luteago, 20 ; lu-
teago, var. barrettii, 19, 296; nana. 18
Dicranura bifida 155
Dicrorampha acuminatana, alpinana,
consortana, 241 ; senectana, 242 ;
simpliciana 241
Didonis biblis 2
Ditula woodiana 278
Dryas pandora 159
Endopisa nigricana 241
Ennomos quercinaria (melanic) 45
Ennychia ciugulata, nigrata 242
Ephippiphora fcenella, 242 ; signatana... 141
Epunda lichenea 96
Erebia ceto, 69; pronoe, 158; stygne ... 45
Eriogaster (gynandromorphic) 124
Eriopsela fractifasciana 242
Eubolia bipuuctaria 96
Euchloe beleniia, bellidice, 6; charlonia,
55; tagis 6
Euchromia formosa, 158; purpurana ... 243
Eucosma antiquana, ericetana, micana. 64
Eueides aliphera 3
Eupithecia fraxinata, 9G ; pusillata 242
Eupoecilia atricapitana, angustana, 243 ;
ciliella, 242 ; implicitana, 243 ;
hybridella, maculosaua, 241 ; notul-
ana, roseana, 242 ; rupicolana,
udana 241
PAGE
Eutresis hypereia 2
Pidouia atomaria (melanic) 18, 96
Gastropacha ilicif olia 122. 223, 280
Geometra papilionaria 18
Glaucopsyche cyllarus 19
Gnophos glaucinaria 20"
Gonepteryx cleopatra, 4, 70 ; rhamui, 4, 252
Grapholitha nsevana, nigrornaeulana,
213; obtusann 241
Hadena glauca 17
Hastula hyerana 120
Hedya aceriana, 241 ; lariciana, 242 ;
neglectana, 241; ocellana, 243; ser-
villana 241
Helicouius ethilla, hydarus 3
Hesperia evanida 174
Homu-osouia bina>vella 243
Hybernia leucophearia, var. marmorin-
aria 180
Hypolimuas misippus, 3 ; wahlbergi 254
Hyria muricata 18
Lasiocampa quercus, var 224
Laspeyresia cosmophorana 64
Laverna raschkiella 180
Leioptilus lienigialis, inicrodactylus 241
Leucania pallens 70
Leuceronia buquetii 6
Lita leucomelanella, 207 ; nielanella.. loo
Lithosia deplana, var 45
Lobesia reliquana 242
Lobophora viretata 18
Lycama astrarche 18
Lycorea atergatis 2
Lyonetia elerckella 124
Mania m aura 253
Mechanitis lycidice, veritabilis 2
Melanargia pherusa 223
Melanippe tristata 69
Melitiua athalia, 97, 159 ; aurinia, 19,
280 ; desfontainii, var. bcetica, 21 ;
didyma 97
Miincseoptilus bipunctidactylus, phaeo-
dactylus 241
Myelophila cribrum 241
Nemeophila plantaginis 69
Nepbopteryx spissicella 241
Nepticula acetosa', 253 ; argentipedella.. 180
Neuria reticulata 253, 280
Nomiades semiargus 222, 250
Notodouta dromedarius 18
CEdematophorus lithodactylus 241
CEneis aello 279
PAGE
Oncocera nbenella 242
Oreopsyche pyrenaella 237, 253
Orgyia aurolimbata 14
Ornithoptera alexandra*, beeuba 44
Ornix avellanella 180
OrthoUenia stiiaua 241
Oxyptilus parvidactylus 242
P;edisca prof'undana, occultana, 242 :
oppressana, 241 ; ratzeburgiana, 243;
rubigiuosana, 242 ; sernifuscana 241
Parmnene ochsenheimeriana 64
Papilio cymochles, 8; dardanus, demo-
lion, 254 ; gabrielis, 158 ; hecatams,
44 ; machaon, podalirius 8
Paraponyx stratiotata 241
Pararge megiera, 2; m?era 2, 280
Parascotia fuliginaria 222
Parnassius apollo 43
Peuthina fuligana, gentianana, margi-
nana, ochroleucana 241
Perinephele lancealis 241
Peronea aspersana, 242 ; comparana, 241 ;
schalleriana, sponsana 243
Phibalapteryx vittata 18
Phigalia pilosaria, var 180
Phltrodes demaruiana, 242 ; immuudana 241
Phuebis agarithe 4
Phoxopteryx comptana, 242 ; derasana,
243 ; dimimitana, lactana, 242 ; mit-
terpacheriana 241
Phtheochroa rugosana 242
Phycis adornatella, 241 ; ornatella 242
Pieris brassicw, 275, 289; calydonia, 7;
napi, 275, 279,; phileta, sevata 7
Platyptilia bertrami, 241 ; miautodactyla 274
Plebeius argyrognomon, 22 ; zephyrus,
var. hesperica 19, 21
Plusia gamma, 275 ; var 96
Polyommatus icarus, 207, 280 ; var. persica 280
Pseudouympha cassius, detecta (sp. n.),
vigilans 281
Psilura monacha, var 296
Pyralis glaucinahs, 243 ; lienigialis 240
Pyrameis atalanta, 45, 249, 275 ; cardui,
249, 275, 289
Pyrodes rhediella 241
Retiuia resiuella 205
Rhabdodryas trite 4
Rhodophiea consociella, 241 ; suavella ... 243
Rhyacionia posticana 295
Roxaua arcuana 242
Rumicia phlseas, var. scbmidtii 280
Saturnia pyri 253
PA OK
Schoenobius forficellus, mucronellus 241
Sciaphila abrasana, conspersana, chrys-
antheana, nubilaua 241
Scopana angustea, 241 ; cembra3, 243 j
pallida, 241 ; truncicolella, 243 ;
vaf ra 96
Scopula ferrugalis 241
Semasia janthinana, 241 ; rufillana, 243 ;
spiniana 241
Sericoris cespitana, 242 ; rivulana 241
Siderea achatana 241
Spilonota incarnatana, roborana, 243 ;
rosaicolana 241
Stigmonota compositana, 241 ; conifer-
ana, 242 ; flexana, 243 ; interuana,
nitidaua, 242; pallifrontana, 241 ;
regiana, 242 ; roseticolana 211
Strymon pruni 206
Synchloe glauconome, daplidice 7
Syutomis phegea 19,252, 279
Taeniocampa populeti 47
Teracolus eupompe, 5; evarne, evippe,
6 ; halimede, 5 ; limbatus, 21 ; plei-
one, protomedia 5
Terias nise 5
Thais rumina 7
Thalpochares ostrina 20
Thestor ballus 4
Tinea tedella 15
Tortrix costana, 96 ; pronubana 250
Triphaena comes, interjecta 251
Trochilium crabrouif orme 96
Trycheris aurana 241
Vanessa anti opa 177, 275
Victorina stelenes 3
Xanthosetia zoegana 243
Zygama filipenduhe, 14, 251; lonicer* . . . 251
NEUROPTERA.
^Eschna crenata, 58 ; juncea, 6" ; ser-
rata 57
Agrion lunulatum, ornatnm, puella 57
Chloroperla venosa 2S0
Cordulegaster insignis 57
Enallagma cyathigerum 56
Hemianax ephippiger 16
Ischnura pumilio 56
Lestes dryas 56
Libellula depressa 58
Onychogomphus costse 118
Orthetrum anceps, chrysostigma, 118;
brunneum 58
Raphidia xanthostigina 253
PAGE
Sympetrum decoloratum, flaveolum, strio-
latum 5S
Trithemis annnlata 118
ORTHOPTERA.
Apterygida albipennis 48
Decticus verrucivorous 48
Forficula auricularia, 205 ; lesnei 48
Gryllotalpa vulgaris 223
Periplaneta australasia? 48
Phymateus ;egrotus 223
SIPHON APTERA.
'.in
1611
Archaeopsylla erinacei
Cevatophyllus borealis, 162 ; columbie,
farreni, 161; fasciatus, 91; fringillse,
161 ; gallimt, 160; gallinuhe, garei,
hirnndinis, 161 ; insularis, 162 ;
penicilliger, 160 ; sciurorum, 159 ;
vagabundus, 162 ; walkeri
Ctenopthalmus agyrtes, 162 ; bisocto-
dentatus 163
Doratopsylla dasycnemus 164
Hystrichopsylla talpa- 166
Isclmopsyllus octactenus 166
Leptopsylla niusculi, spectabilis 165
Palwopsylla kohauti, minor, 165 ; sorecis. 16 1
Rhailinopsylla pentacanthus 164
Pulex irritaus 90
Spilopsyllus cuniculi 90
Typhloceras poppei 166
THYSANOPTERA.
Cephalothrips monilicoruis 38
Cryptothrips latus, major 38
Euthrips tamicola (n. sp.) 273
Hoodia bagualli 39
Hoplandrothrips bidens, colliusi (n. sp.),
37 ; ellisi (n. sp.)
Phloeothrips albovittatus, anuulipes, 37 ;
armiger, 38 ; brevicollis, 37 ; coria-
ceus, 37, 39 ; funebris, hoodi, jenuei,
juniperinum, microps, natalensis, 3S;
parvus, 37; pergandei, 38 ; raptor,
38; minor
Trichothrips semicrecns
35
ZORAPTERA (New Order).
Zorotypus ceylonensis, guineensis, javani-
!M
ADDITIONS TO THE BRITISH INSECT FAUNA
BROUGHT FORWARD IN THIS VOLUME.
COLEOPTERA.
SPECIES.
PAGE
Anchomenus dahli, Borre ( ? var. of
A. atratus, Pauz.) 105
Anthicus bifaaciatus, Rossi 85
Ceuthorrhynchus chalybaeus, Anct. nee
Brit. Coll 30
Coccinella hieroglyphica, L. (various
forms named, including 5-punctata,
u. var.) 140
Dorcatoma punctulata, Muls 107
Gabrius primigenius, Joy 258
Gyrinus natator, L., var. oblitus, Sharp 133
,, edwardsi, Sharp ( = opacus,
Brit. Cat.), uom. nov. ...131, 137
Haltica britteni, Sharp 261
,, ytenensis, Sharp 263
Helophorus ytenensis, Sharp 103
Hygropora cunctaus, ~Er 194
Malthodes crassicornis, MdMin 104
Philhydrus fuscipennis, Thorns 80
, , halophilus, Bedel 79
,, maritimus, Thorns, var. brevi-
palpis, Sharp 83
Sphaeridium quadrimaculatum, Marsh.
(re-instated) S3
DIPTERA.
Amalopis schineri, Kol 173
Aphiochaeta elongata, Wood 153
,, submeigeni, ,, 153
,, vestita, ,, 154
Argyra auricollis, Meig 173
Diazosma(Trichocera) hirtipeunis, SieVke 214
SPECIES.
PAGE
Dolicbopus caligatus, Wahlh 17
Phora connexa, Wood 152
HEMIPTERA.
Chlorita aurautiaca, Fieb 168
Grypotes pinetellus, Zett 9, 10
Kuwania britannica, Green 197
Lygus rubicundus, Fall 283
Typhlocyba bidentata, Edwurds 170
,, carri, ,, 170
,, distincta, ,, 170
,, diversa, ,, 171
,, plebeja, ,, 169
,, prunicola, ,, 168
,, tersa, ,, 169
Zygina neglecta, Edwards 171
RYMENOPTERA.
Andrena alfkenella, Perkins 112
,, minutuloides, ,, 114
,, moricella, „ 113
,, nanula, Nyl 115
,, parvuloides, Perkins 114
THYSANOPTERA.
Cryptothrips major, Bagnall 38
Euthrips tamicola, ,, 273
Hoplaudrothrips collinsi,, 37
ellisi ,, 35
LIST OF NEW GENERA AND SPECIES, &c,
DESCRIBED IN THIS VOLUME.
COLEOPTERA.
GENUS.
PAGE
Chionotopus, Abeille de Perrin. Au
overlooked genus of Malacodennata,
Sharp 246
SPECIES.
Bledius renoininatus (nom. now),
Cameron... 203
Haltica britteni, Sharp, Britain 261
,, ytenensis (nom. now) Sharp, New
Forest 263
Helophoras ytenensis, Sharp, New Forest 103
Gyrinna natator, L., v. oblitus, Sharp,
Britain 133
Philhydius maritimus, Thorns., v. brevi-
palpis, Sharp, Britain 83
Xylophilusmalleifer, Champion, Queens-
land 264
DIPTERA.
SPECIES.
Aphiochaeta elongata, Wood, England 153
,, submeigeni, ,, ,, ... 153
,, vestita, ,, ,, .. 154
Phora connexa, ,, ,, ... 152
HEMIPTERA.
Arachnocoris torquatus, Bergroth,
Venezuela .
117
Kuwauia britanuica, Green, England... 197
Typhlocyba bidentata, J. Edwards,
England... 170
,, cairi, J. Edward*, England 170
distincta, J. Edwards,
England.
170
Typhlocyba diversa, J. Edwards,
England... 171
,, plebeja, J. Edwards,
England... 169
,. prunicola, J. Edwards,
England.. 168
,, tersa, J. Edwards, England 169
Zygiua neglecta, J. Edwards, England 171
HYMENOPTERA.
SPECIES.
Andrena ali'kenella, Perkins, England.. 72
,, minutuloides, Perkins, England 114
. ,, moricella, Perkins, England ... 113
,, parvuloides, Perkins, England. 114
,, synadelpha (nom. nov.J,
Perkins... 95
THYSANOPTERA.
SPECIES.
Euthrips tamicola, Bagnall, Oxfordshire 273
Hoplaudrothrips collinsi, Bagnall,
Oxfords hire ... 37
ellisi, Bagnall,
Warwickshire .
35
LEPIDOPTERA.
SPECIES.
Brachmia xerophaga, E. Meyrick,
Madras... 219
Pseudonympha detecta, Trim en,
Cape Colony, S. Africa... 281
ERRATA.
Pao-e 111, line 4- from bottom, for " Dryocoetes" read " Dryocsetes."
227, „ 1 „ bottom of table, for "Entom., XXVI, p. 327" read
" Entom., XXIX, p. 315."
241, „ 16 „ top, for " Sideria " read " Siderea."
24l , 9 „ bottom, for " Mimxscoptilus " read " Mimeseoptilus,"
and for "bipunctidactyla" read " bipunctidactylus."
EXPLANATION OF PLATES.
Plate I. — Larvae of Agriades damon and Plebeiw argyrognomon (see
pp. 22-29).
„ II-VII. — Larva-skins of Agriades damon, Plebeius argyrognomon, and
P. argus (see pp. 22-29).
„ VIII. — Agrion ornatum, Selys (see p. 57).
„ IX-X. — iEdeagus of the British species of Gyrinus (see pp. 128, 138).
„ XL — Oreopsyche pyrenaella, H.S. (see pp. 237-240).
„ XII. — Pseudonympha cassius, P. detecta (n. sp.), and P. vigilans
(see pp. 281-2).
Portraits— Past Editors of the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine (see p. 125).
Sketch-map — Shewing distribution of Danaida plexippns (see p. 181).
r\
(U
Second Series, No. 289.] T 4 ^jr 4 -r>v , Q1 ,, Fd ,.
rtfn *Qfil JAINTJARY, 1914. [Peice 1/-
[No. 596.]
NET
THE
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Ent. Mo. Mag., 1914 — Plate I.
E. C. Knight del.
Fa. P. \V. M. Trap impr.
AGRIADES DAMON and PLEBEIUS ARGYROGNOMON.
(X nearly 3)
Ent. Mo. -\Li.K.. 1^14. I'LtU II.
v/^f^v
*'©*
>^.
P/z.V.i. F. -V. Clark.
P. argvrognomon. 1st stage, larva skin X 67.
En/. Mo. Mag., 1914. /'/,//<■ III.
*k
V4
I
*
i-.-^i
£ J^
A.
**••<
.
Plioto. F. \ Clark
;iiiiib (aefjon) Nt stage, larva skin X 67.
Enl. Mo. Mag., 1914. Plate IV
Photo. A. E. Tonge
A. damon, larval skin, last stage X 30.
THE
ENTOMOLOGIST'S
MONTHLY MAGAZINE:
SECOND SERIES— VOL. XXV,
[VOLUME L].
FUETHER NOTES ON SCENTS IN BUTTERFLIES.
BY G. B. LONGSTAFF, M.A., M.D., F.L.S., &c.
During the two years that have elapsed since the appearance of
my list* of the butterflies which have been observed to possess a
scent, I have had further opportunities of investigating' the subject.
Butterfly scents have been divided by Fritz Midler and Dixey
into two categories : —
(1) Attractive scents : in the very large majority of cases con-
fined to the male sex. These are almost always agreeable
to the average human perception.
(2) Repulsive or protective scents : usually common to both
sexes, and often strongest in the female. These are, for
the most part, disagreeable to man, or even disgusting.
As perhaps might have been expected, further investigation, while
extending the basis of facts upon which these generalizations have
been made, has revealed more and more exceptions.
The exceptional occurrence of female butterflies with attractive
scents needs further explanation. Moreover, my own experience with
scents believed to be repulsive convinces me that if such scents are
really protective they must be far more repulsive to the enemies of
butterflies than they are to man. All lovers of dogs must have
noticed that many odours which give pleasure to us excite disgust in
them, and vice versa.
In the following notes an asterisk indicates that the species is one
that I have not previously dealt with.
* " Butterfly Hunting in Many Lands." 1912. pp. 490-516. Full references to tha.ftuthoritics
are there given. The species are dealt with here in the same order to facilitate coin pari son. « J
rANUART, 1914.
,N 101914
2 [January,
NYMPHALID^.
Ithomiin^e.
* Geratinia fenestella, Hew. (Trinidad, 1913). Out of three
examined, a <j> had an odour resembling musty tobacco. Fritz Miiller
detected a rather faint scent in G. eupompe, Hb.
* Mechanitis lycidice, Bates, and M. veritabilis, Btl. (Trinidad and
Venezuela, 1913). Ten specimens of each of these closely allied
species were examined. In one only, a ^ of the first named, was a
slight scent suspected in connection with the fringes. So far as it
goes this confirms Fritz Miiller' s record of a very faint scent in the <^
of Mechanitis 1/ysimnia, F.
* Eutresis hypereia, Dbl. and H. (Venezuela, 1913). A ? , the
only specimen met with, gave out both during life and after death, a
strong odour like that of cockroaches.
Danain^e.
Danaida archipptis, F. (Dominica and Venezuela, 1913). 4 $ g
and 2 ? $ examined. Previous results confirmed, but in one ? the
scent is described as " not strong, scai-cely disagreeable."
Danaida eresimns, Cr. (Venezuela, 1913). Of 2 g £ examined, one
had a sweet scent, somewhat aromatic in character, the other a " not
unpleasant " scent. In 1907 I was somewhat in doubt as to the J
possessing a scent.
* Lycorea atergatis, Dbl. (Trinidad and Venezuela, 1913). Six
specimens were examined, 3 $ $ , 3 ? ? . All the $ £ had the tufts
everted, but in only one of them could any scent be detected, it was
slight and resembled that of a cockroach. One of the $ $ had a similar
slight odour, in another the scent was compared to that of a cigar box.
Fritz Miiller found an extremely strong, rather disagreeable odour, in
" Lycorea sp."
Satyrin^e.
Pararge megasra, L. (Spain, 1913). In 4 $ $ out of 9, 1 succeeded
in detecting a more or less distinct scent of chocolate, without the
vanilla element.
* Pararge meera, L. (Spain, 1913). I took but one specimen, ? ,
which had a scent of pure chocolate, strong during life, less strong
after death.
Nymphalin^;.
Didonis biblis, F. (Trinidad and Venezuela, 1913.) 4 specimens
1914.] 3
examined, 3 of them g g . No scent was detected in any of them, so
that in this species I have again failed to confirm Fritz Miiller.
* Byblia ilithyia, Drury. (Sudan, 1912). A $ and 4 $ ? were
examined : the former had a sweet aromatic scent, whicli struck me as
like scented tobacco ; of the latter, one had a similar scent, but less
strong ; another a scent compared to chocolate ; a third to that of
Teracolus protomedia, of which, later. This scent in the female tallies
with earlier observations on B. goetzius, Herbst.
Rypolimnas misippus, L. (Sudan, 1912). In 2 $ $ I found no
scent, but in 2 5 ? out of 4, 1 detected a slight treacly odour. Compare
Dr. Dixey's observations (op. cit., p. 502).
Victorina stelenes, L. (Trinidad, 1913). 2 <$ £ were taken, one
appeared to have a slight flowery scent ; I was not very certain about
this at the time, but find that it agrees with my earlier experience with
this fine insect.
Agraulis vanillse, L. (West Indies, 1913). Out of 4 £ £ examined,
one had the stable-like odour noted in 1907.
Goleenis julia, F. (West Indies, Trinidad, and Venezuela, 1913).
4 £ £ and 4 ? $ were examined ; in the 4 £ $ , and doubtfully in one
of the 9 ? » a scent was noted, in only one instance strong, said to be
" peculiar," " sweet," " like treacle," or " like ginger-bread nuts."
These results are in concordance with my experience of the sub-species
cillene, Cr., in Jamaica.
[I follow here the arrangement adopted in " Butterfly Hunting in
Many Lands," but I am now disposed to consider Agraulis and Colamis
as Heliconii^es.]
Heliconinje.
Eueides aliphera, Godt. (Trinidad and Venezuela, 1913). 4 $ $
and 3 $ $ examined. In one <$ no scent was observed ; the other three
had both during life and after death an odour compared to rancid lamp-
oil, or to acetylene, varying from very slight to strong. 2 ? $ had a
similar scent to the <$ , but the third is noted as having " a sweet,
pleasant scent." These results, speaking generally, confirm those
previously obtained.
Heliconius hydarus, Hew. (Trinidad and Venezuela, 1913).
Previous results were confirmed, but 2 (J (J and 1 ? H. euryades, Riff.,
gave negative results.
* Heliconius ethilla, Godt. (Trinidad, 1913). The only specimen
at my disposal, a ¥ , had a strong tobacco-like odour.
a January,
LYC^NFD^.
*Thestor ballus, F. (Spain, 1913). 8 ^ J were examined: all had
a scent, not very strong, compared sometimes to chocolate, sometimes
to "chocolate sweets" (i.e., with a vanilla element). 4 ? ? appeared
to be scentless.
PAPILIONID^].
PlERIN^.
Gatopsilia florella, F. (Sudan, 1912). The strong luscious scent
of the $ was confirmed,
Ehabdodryas trite, L. (Dominica, 1913). The only specimen
taken, <§ , yielded a " sweet pleasant scent ; not so strong or luscious
as C. unhide" confirming Fritz Miiller.
Phcebis agarithe, Bsd. (St. Lucia, 1913). A pair had a " strong
fetid butyric odour" ; ? emitted by the ? •
Callidryas eubule, L. (West Indies, Trinidad and Venezuela,
1913). The strong luscious scent of the ^.compared by me to Freesia
but by a friend to carnation, was amply confirmed, as was also the
butyric odour of the $ .
Gonepteryx rhamni, L., and G. cleopatra, L. (Spain, 1913). These
butterflies were found flying together at Ronda, Andalusia, in March.
9 £ cleopatra were examined : in all a scent was found ; in one it
was described as " -very slight," in another as " decided, but not very
strong," in four as " strong " ; in 8 out of the 9 it was unhesitatingly
compared to that of Freesia.
8 ^ rhamni were examined : in 5 I was unable to detect any
trace of scent, either during life or after death, but in the other 3 the
living insects had a very faint scent, which I could not clearly describe,
but in each case noted that it was not that of Freesia.
These results are in complete accordance with those obtained in
Algeria in March, 1905.
It would, however, appear that I paid little or no attention to the
female Gonepteryx in Algeria, although I sent home four specimens,
of which three may be referred to cleopatra, the fourth probably to
rhamni.
But at Eonda I examined 9 ? ? f an seemingly referable to
cleopatra, and was not a little surprised to find a scent in all of them :
1914. g
this scent was more distinct than that of the male rhamni, but much
less strong than that of the male cleopatra. To me it was agreeable,
sweet, and suggested Freesia.
Are we to regard rhamni and cleopatra as distinct species of
which the females closely resemble one another ? Or are we to look
upon them as but one species with a (locally) dimorphic male ?
Dr. Dixey gave to the Entomological Society some years ago
an admirable summary of the facts, which was fully reported at
the time.t
An obvious question arises : can the scent be directly connected,
or indirectly correlated with the orange scales ? Mr. Enoch's record of
ants attacking G. rhamni and confining their depredations to the
orange spots is very suggestive, especially in the light of somewhat
similar observations as to Danainse.
*Aphrissa statira, Cr. A <§ had, when alive, a slight sweet scent.
Colias edusa, auct. (Spain, 1913). b* $ $ were examined; in
three I was unable to detect any odour, in two a very slight chocolate-like
scent was suspected, in one I satisfied myself that a slight but distinct
scent was present, which I was disposed to compare to that of clove-
pink. I was, however, unable to localise the scent in the " patches."!
Terias nise, Cr. (W. Indies, Trinidad, and Venezuela, 1913.)
19 $ <$ were examined of which 5 had a sweet scent, compared in several
instances to the peculiar smell of Convolvulus arvensis. 7 % $ gave
negative results. These observations confirm my experience in 1907,
though the positive results are proportionately fewer.
Teracolus protomedia, Klug (Sudan, 1912)). In 6 £ g out of 241
detected a slight scent, not easy to describe ; the words " dusty," " stuffy,"
" musky," " peculiar," " like wood," and " very faint Freesia " appear
in my note book. Previous results were thus confirmed.
*T. eupompe, Klug (Sudan, 1912). In two $ $ out of a large
number examined a slight scent was observed, in one noted as " sweet,"
in the other as " stuffy."
T. halimede, Klug (Sudan, 1913). A £ , one of many, had a
distinct musky odour.
*T. pleione, Klug (Sudan, 1913). A g , one of many, had a dis-
tinct musky odour.
t Proc. Knt. Boo. Lond. 1905. pp. xxxvi — xli.
{ See Dixey, Proc. Knt. Sou. Lend., Oct. 5th, 1904, p. lvii,
Q [January,
*T. evippe, L. (Sudan, 1913). A <$ , out of 12 examined, yielded
a scent like Freesia.
*T. evarne, Klug (Sudan, 1912). Out of a large number of rf £
five were found to have a scent : it was distinct and sweet in character,
in one compared to Freesia, but in another described as " somewhat
medicinal."
Having captured large numbers of many species of Teracolus, I am
forced to the conclusion that the scent of the males is either very slight,
or very transient, or for some other reason more difficult to detect than
scents in some other genera.
*Calojjieris eulimene, Klug (Sudan, 1912). 3 <$ <$ out of 21
appeared to have a faint sweet scent, once suggesting gorse.
*Leticeronia buquetii, Bsd. (Sudan, 1912). Out of 4 <$ g , I
suspected a faint sweet scent in one, and noted a " slight, scarcely
agreeable " scent in another.
*Eucldo'c bellidice, Hiibn. (Spain, 1913). Out of 19 $ £ examined
a scent was detected in 15 ; this was variously estimated as " very
slight," "slight," "distinct," or "decided"; in most cases it was
described as " sweet," once compared to that of Freesia, once said to
be " somewhat aromatic," another time " scarcely pleasant." Only 3
? ? were examined ; one had an unpleasant odour, the other two were
scentless. [This is A. belia, Cr.].
This species flies with the next, but is commoner and more
generally distributed, and a larger insect.
*Euchloc tagis, Hiibn. (Spain, 1913). Of this local species I
examined 13 £ £ , 5 ? $ , and one of which the sex is uncertain. In
none of them was any odour detected.
The two preceding species are closely allied, so that exceptional
specimens of the former are said to resemble the latter. It is
interesting to find that they differ in the matter of scent production.
*Euchlo'e belemia, Esp. (Spain, 1913). 15 $ <§ were examined : two
had a " pleasant scent," which was " slight " in one, " very slight " in
the other. In six others a scent was suspected, in one of which it
appeared to be " very sweet." 11 $ $> gave negative results. This
butterfly flies swiftly.
Daptonoura lycimnia, Cr. (Trinidad and Venezuela, 1913). Of
11 <$ <$ , one appeared to be scentless, the other 10 all had a decided
sweet luscious scent, compared to that of Freesia. My experience in
1907 was thus fully confirmed, but my results are not in complete
1914.] 7
accordance with those of Fritz M uller, who found the scent of the <$ ,
though very delicious, rather faint and often hardly distinguishable.
Two $ ? were examined but no scent found. (Compare op. cit., p. 511) .
Belenois gidica, Grodt. (Sudan, 1912). Of 13 £ $ all appeared to
be scentless, but in 1 $ out of 5 a faint scent was detected.
Belenois mesentina, Cr. (Sudan, 1912). I found the £ to have a
slight scent, variously suggesting the adjectives " musky," " aromatic,"
" flowery." Previous results were thus confirmed.
Pieris (Perrhybris) calydonia, Bsd. (Venezuela, 1913). 11 speci-
mens, all £ , were examined ; in 4 of these there was a distinct scent,
described as " flowery " or " like Freesia " ; in two a somewhat
unpleasant scent, suggesting pomade, was found. On the whole pre-
vious results were confirmed.
*Pieris (Perrhybris) sevata, Feld. (Venezuela, 1913). 2 $ £ had
a slight but distinct flowery sceut ; 2 <j? ? were scentless.
*Pieris (Perrhybris) phiIeta,F. (W. Indies and Venezuela, 1913).
Out of 10 <$ $ examined, only four yielded a scent, twice doubtfully
described as " peculiar," once as " heavy, somewhat unpleasant," once
as " strongly fetid." Of two $ $ one had a " slight fetid odour." In
1907 I failed to detect any odour in this species.
*Syrichloe glauconome, Klug (Sudan, 1912). 3 tf £ out of 8
yielded a distinct sweet scent like that of Freesia.
*8ynchloi: daplidice, L. (Spain, 1913). Of 32 £ $ examined, 24
had a scent. This was in no case strong, but variously estimated as
" very slight," " slight," " distinct," or " decided " ; it was variously
described as " aromatic," " like sweet-briar," or " scarcely pleasant,"
but more often as " sweet," and in a majority of specimens was
compared to that of Freesia. Of one of the 24 $ £ the note says that
observation in the field showed " a slight sweet scent," but that at
home the butterfly was found alive in its envelope, and emitted " a
strong scent, somewhat like that of P. rajiM." One observation gave
a doubtful, seven gave negative results. In 8 out of 10 ? ? examined,
no scent was detected; in one "a very slight but very sweet scent"
was noted ; of another it is recorded " a very slight Freesia scent : no
doubt about it."
Papilionin^e.
*Thais rttmina, L. (Spain, 1913). In 10 out of 11 <$ $ , and in all
the 7 ? $ examined, a scent was easily detected, though sometimes it
8 [January,
was but slight ; it appeared to be alike in both sexes. From time to
time I have attempted to describe this scent by such words as " some-
what unpleasant," " disagreeable," " ? like rue," " peculiar," " musty,"
or " somewhat like musty straw, but less disagreeable."
When examining the specimens at Oxford in July, 1913, five
months after capture, and again in October, eight months after capture,
the scent was still very distinct, even in the presence of naphthalin.
Mr. Bagnall thought it " musky," Mr. Hamm " musty," Dr. Carpenter
thought it " like smell of pepper, but mild pepper," while Dr. Dixey
suggested " the smell of the pepper-tree." The last comparison
struck me as apt.
T. rumina has a striking pattern, similar on both upper and
undersides, it is slow in its movements and bold in its behaviour ; further
it is hard to kill ; when it is added that both sexes have a peculiar scent, it
will be seen that it has all the characteristics of a protected species.
*Papilio cymochles, Dbl. (Trinidad, 1913). A J had a somewhat
unpleasant odour, described as " stuffy " ; a $ a scent described as
" like that of an old pipe."
*Papilio machaon, L. (Spain, 1913). Two J $ had a strong dis-
agreeable odour of musty straw.
*Papilio podalirius, L. (Spain, 1913). A ? had a decided odour
like straw, but not disagreeable.
Yet once more I appeal to field naturalists to join in the investi-
gations of these interesting perfumes, which hitherto have attracted
the attention of so few.
Highlands, Putney Heath :
October 24th, 1913.
A GENUS OF HOMOPTEBA, &c, NEW TO THE BRITISH LIST.
BY H. F. FRYER, F.E.S., AND J. C. F. FRYER, M.A., F.E.S.
"We are glad to be able to record the occurrence of the following
macropterous forms, hitherto unknown, and also a genus and species
which is an addition to the British List of Hemiptera-Homoptera : —
Arseopus pulchellus, Curt. A macropterous $ taken by sweeping
reeds and grass at Chippenham Fen, Cambridgeshire, last August.
1914.] 9
Enidella speciosa, Boh. A macropterous $ taken under similar
circumstances, and at the same time as the foregoing.
Grypotes pineteUus, Zett. (Jassus pineteUus, Zett., puncticollis,
Sahib.).
This is a genus new to Britain : the species in question has been
recorded from Scandinavia, Austria, France, and Germany. The
specimens in the British Museum are from Glogganitz and Hainfeld,
South Austria, and were taken by Dr. Eger. Zetterstedt1 and
Melichar- state the habitat of G. pineteUus as being on or under pine
trees, the latter author mentioning Pinus sylvestris and P. nigricans
on the authority of Low. We took numerous examples of it near
Mildenhall in August and October last year. They appeared to be
confined to patches of rough grass consisting of mixed Agrostis tenuis
and Carex arenaria, which are common on the East Anglian heaths.
The patches of grass were growing under or near Scotch Pine (Pinus
sylvestris) ; but although these trees were carefully beaten, no speci-
mens occurred actually on them, all were swept from the grass before
referred to.
We must acknowledge our indebtedness to Mr. E. A. Butler, who
kindly examined and determined a number of our Homoptera, and
among them detected the three species now recorded. The following
descriptions of the insects have been kindly supplied by him.
Ar^opus pulchellus, Curt.
Macropterous ? . Coloured similarly to the ,? , and with elytra nearly twice
as long as abdomen. Scutellum about twice as long as pronotum.
Length, including elytra, 7i mm.
EuiDELLA SPECIOSA, Boll.
Macropterous ? . Fore parts similar to those of $ , but broader. Elytra
rather longer and broader than in <J , with the dark markings much reduced ;
the basal spot becomes a mere streak, and the apical band is reduced to spots
at base of membrane and apex of corium amidst which the veins remain
yellowish, and a faint cloud at the inner margin of the membrane.
Length, including elytra, 6 mm.
Genus Grypotes, Pieb.
This genus of the Jassaria may be placed next to Cicadula. It is easily
recognised by the rounded vertex, which is short, about § as long as the prono-
tum, and of almost equal length throughout. The clypeus is narrow and
the antennae are about half as long as the body.
1 Zetterstedt. Insecta Lapponica.
2 Melichar. Cicadinen von Mittel-Europa.
1Q [January,
(jr. PINETELLUS, Zett.
Sordid yellow ; head clearer yellow with brown or blackish markings, the
chief of which are a transverse band where the vertex passes into the face,
deeply upwardly arcuate in the middle, a second band beneath this, and more
or less parallel to it, but less deeply arcuate in the middle ; a third, straighter
and shorter, and more or less interrupted in the middle, just above the antennae,
and a spot on each side of the vertex near the hinder margin of the eye ; frons
more or less plainly marked with transverse brown lines ; clypeus black. Pro-
notum with numerous dark brown spots in front and striate behind ; scutellum
short and broad, often more or less more marked with reddish, and with an im-
pressed dark line beyond the middle, above which are two brownish spots.
Elytra sordid yellow, becoming hyaline towards the costa ; membrane smoky.
Legs concolorous, more or less spotted with black ; anterior tibiae outwardly,
intermediate and posterior inwardly, streaked with black. Abdomen above
black with margins of segments yellow.
$ . Somewhat smaller than $ , and with all the dark markings more pro-
nounced ; the last dorsal adominal segment excavated above the anal tube.
Length, 4 — 4Jr mm.
The Priory, Chatteris :
December 3rd, 1913.
COLEOPTERA IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
BY H. FORTESCUE FRYER, F.E.S.
(Continued from Vol. xlix, p. 268).
Clambid^.
Calyptomerus dubius, Marsh.*— Holwoods.
SlLPHID^E.
Agathidium Ixvigatum, Er.* — Holwoods. Liodes orbicularis, Hbst.—
Chatteris. Anisotoma calcarata, Er.*— Doddington. Necrophorus humator,
Goeze.— Chatteris ; mortuorum, F.— Wood Walton ; vestigator, Hersch., ruspator,
Er., and interruptus, Steph. — Chatteris; vespillo, L. -Wood Walton. Silpha
tristis, 111.— Wicken, Chatteris, Doddington, Warboys; obscura, L. - Holwoods ;
thoracica, L. — Chippenham ; sinuata, F. — Chatteris ; rugosa, L. — generally
distributed. Choleva cisteloides, Frol.— Chatteris, Doddington ; spadicea, Stm. —
Doddington; agilis, 111. — Chatteris, Holwoods; velox, Spence. — Chatteris, Hol-
woods, Madingley; anisotomoides, Spence* — Chatteris ; fusca, Pz. - Chatteris,
Warboys ; nigricans, Spence, and morio, F.— Chatteris, Holwoods ; grandicollis,
Er.*— Holwoods ; nigrita, Er.— Warboys ; tristis, Pz.— Holwoods, Doddington ;
chrysomeloides, Pz., fumata, Spence, and watsoni, Spence— Chatteris ; colonoides,
Kr.— Chatteris, Holwoods. Catops sericeus, Pz. — Chatteris, Holwoods.
1914] 11
ScYDM^ENID^.
Scydmsenus scutellaris, Miill.,* and collaris, Miill.— Doddington.
PsELAPHIDJE.
Pselaphus heisei, Hbst. — Holwoods. Tychus niger, Pk. — Chatteris. Bryaxis
fossulata, Reich. — Doddington.
CoBYLOPHIDiE.
Sericoderus lateralis, Gyll. — Doddington.
PhALACRIDjE.
Phalacrus corruscus, Pk. — generally distributed ; caricis, Stm. — Wicken.
Olibrus corticalis, Pz.— generally distributed; seneus, F., and millefolii, Pk.—
Chatteris. Stilbus testaceus, Pz. — generally distributed ; atomarius, L., and
oblongus, Er. — Chatteris.
CoCCINEIiLID^J.
Subcoccinella 24-punctata, L. — Doddington, Wood Walton. Hippodamia
variegata, Goeze. — Chatteris, Warboys. Adalia bipunctata, L. — Chatteris
Anatis ocellata, L. — Warboys. Coccinella 10-punctata, L. — generally distri-
buted; ll-punctata, L. — Chatteris Acre Fen; 7-punctata, L.— Doddington.
Halyzia 14>-guttata, L.— Chatteris, Warboys; 18-guttata, L.— Chippenham ;
conglobata, L.— generally distributed; 22-punctata, L.— Chatteris, Warboys.
Micraspis 16-punctata, L.— Chatteris, Warboys. Chilocorus similis, Eossi, and
Exochomus 4-pustulatus, L. — Doddington, Warboys. Bhizobius litura, F., and
Coccidula rufa, Hbst. — generally distributed.
ENDOMYCHID.E.
Symbiotes latus, Redt., and Mycetzea hirta, Marsh. — Chatteris.
EROTYLID2E.
Dacne humeralis, F., and rufifrons, F.— Chatteris. Triplax russica, L. —
Chatteris (old record) ; senea, Schall.*— Cambridge.
Histerid^.
Hister unicolor, L. — Chatteris, Holwoods ; mcrdarius, Hoffm.,* and cada-
verinus, Hoffm. — Chatteris ; purpurascens, Hbst.— Chatteris Acre Fen, Holwoods,
v. niger, Er.— Holwoods (commoner than the type) ; carbonarius, 111. — Chatteris ;
12-striatus, Schr. — Chatteris Acre Fen; bimaculatus, L. — Chatteris. Dendro-
philus punctatus, Hbst., and Gnathoncus nannetensis, Mars.— Chatteris. Saprinus
nitidulus, Pk.— Chatteris, Holwoods, Wood Walton; seneus, F.— Holwoods;
virescens, Pk.— Chatteris (old record). Onthophilus striatus, F.- Chatteris,
Holwoods.
MICROPEPLID.E.
Micropeplus staphylinoides, Marsh.— Madingley ; margaritse, Duv.— Chatteris.
12
[January,
NlTIDULICE.
Brachypterus pubescens, Er. Wicken ; urticse, F.— Chatteris, Wood Walton.
Cercus pedicularius, L., and bipustulatus, Pk. — Horseway ; rufilabris, Latr. —
Chatteris. Epursea xstiva, L. generally distributed ; melina, Er., and fiorea, Er.
— Warboys. Omosiphora limb at a, F.*— Chatteris. Micrurula melanocephala,
Marsh. — Chatteris, Warboys. Nitidula bipustulata, L.— Chatteris, Holwoods ;
4-pustulata, F. — Chatteris ; rufipes, L. — Chatteris, Warboys. Soronia grisea, L. —
Chatteris, Holwoods, Doddington. Omosita colon, L.,* and discoidea, F. —
Chatteris. Pocadius ferrugineus, F., and Meligethes rufipes, G-yll. -Warboys;
fulvipes, Bris.* — Holwoods; seneus, F.,and tnridescens, F. — generally distributed ;
viduatus, Stm.* - Holwoods ; picipes, Stm. — Chatteris; symphyti, Heer* — Hol-
woods ; solidus, Stm.* — Fleam Dyke. Cychramus luteus, F., and fungicola,
Heer. — Warboys. Ips 4-punctata, Hbst.* —Chatteris. Bhizophagus perforatus,
Er.*— Holwoods; parallelocollis, Gyll.* — Holwoods.
Trogositid^;.
Nemosoma elongatum, L.— Chatteris, one locality from which it has now dis-
appeared. Tenebroides maurit aniens, L.— Cambridge.
Lathridiice.
Lathridius lardarius, De G. — generally distributed. Enicmus minutus, L. —
generally distributed ; transversus, 01. — generally distributed. Cartodere rufi-
collis, Marsh.,* and Corticaria pubescens, Gyll. — Chatteris ; denticulata, Gyll.,
and umbilicata, Beck* — Holwoods; fulva, Com.— Chatteris, Holwoods; fene-
stralis, L.* — Chatteris. Melanophthahna gibbosa, Hbst. — generally distributed;
fuscula, Hum. — Doddington, Warboys.
CUCUJID.®.
rsammceeus bipuuetatus, F.,* and Cathartus advena, Waltl. — Chatteris.
Byturid^.
By turns sambuci, Scop. — Doddington; tomentosus, F. — Holwoods, Cambridge,
Warboys.
Cryptophagid^ .
Telmatophilus caricis, 01. — Chatteris; brevvollis, Aub. — Chatteris, Horseway.
Anthcropliagus nigricornis, F. — Chatteris, Warboys. Cryptophagus lycoperdi,
Hbst.,* setulosus, Stm.,* pilosus, Gyll., scanicus, L., and dentatus, Hbst. —
Chatteris; acutangulus, Gyll.— Chatteris, Cambridge; afiinis, Stm. — generally
distributed; pubescens, Stm. — Chatteris. Micrambe vini, Pz. Chippenham.
Atomaria linearis, Steph. — Chatteris, Holwoods ; munda, Er.,* and atra, Hbst. —
Chatteris; pusilla, Pk.— Holwoods ; atricapilla, Steph. —Chatteris, Doddington,
Madingley; berolinensis, Kr. —Holwoods; analis, Er., and apicalis, Er. — Chatteris.
Ephistemus gyrinoides, Marsh. — Chatteris, Holwoods.
ScAPHIDIID^E.
Scaphisoma boleti, Pz. — Holwoods.
1914.] 13
Mycetophagid^.
Typhaea fumata, L. — generally distributed. Triphyllus suturalis, F.—
Chatteris. Mycetophagus 4-pustulatus. L. — Holwoods ; multipunctatus, Hellw.
— Chatteris.
Dermestidje.
Dermestes vulpinus, F. — Cambridge; murinus, L. — Chatteris, Warboys ;
lardarius, L. — Holwoods, Cambridge. Attagenus pellio, L.— Chatteris. Tiresias
serra, F. — Chatteris, Holwoods. Anthrenus varius, F. - Chatteris Acre Fen.
ByrRHIDjE.
Byrrhus pilula, L. — Chatteris, Mepal ; fasciatus, F. — Mepal. Cytilus varius,
F.- Chatteris, Warboys.
GtEORYSSIDjE.
Georyssus pygmseus, F. — Babraham.
PaRNIDjE.
Elmis vollcmari, Pz., and Limnius tuberculatus, Miill. — Babraham. Parnus
prolifericornis, F. — Mepal.
LUCANID^E.
Dorcus parallelopipedus, L. - Holwoods.
ScARAB^.IDiE.
Onthophagus vacca, L. — Holwoods ; fracticornis, Preyss. — Chatteris, Hol-
woods. Aphodius erraticus, L. — Chatteris Acre Fen, Holwoods ; fossor, L. —
generally distributed ; h&morrhoidalis, C. — Chatteris, Mepal, Holwoods ;
fimetarius, L., and ater, De G. — generally distributed ; constans, Dufts. —
Chatteris, Mepal; granarius, L.— Chatteris, Holwoods; nitidulus, F., and
rufescens, F.*— Chatteris Acre Fen; lividus, 01.* — Mepal; pusillus, Hbst. —
Chatteris, Holwoods, Mepal; merdarius, F. — Chatteris, Holwoods; inquinatus,
F.— Chatteris, Chippenham; punctatosulcatus, Stm., and prodromus, Brahm. —
generally distributed ; contaminatus, Hbst. — Holwoods ; luridus, F. — Chatteris,
Holwoods, Cambridge; vufipes, L. - generally distributed; depressus, Kug. —
Chatteris Acre Fen. Oxyomus porcatus, F. — Chatteris, Holwoods. AZgialia
arenaria, F.,* Geotrupes stercorarius, L., spiniyer, Marsh., and vernalis, L. —
Chatteris. Trox scaler, L. - Chatteris, Holwoods. Melolontha vulgaris, F.—
Chatteris.
(To be continued).
Host and parasite emerging from one larva.— In. the Entomologist's Record,
Vol. XV, p. 118, I recorded an instance of this. I recently communicated the
parasite and other documents to Mr. Claude Morley, and he tells me that the
parasite is not an Ichneumon as stated, but a Braconid, Microplitis tuberculifera,
Wesm. My error is, of course, merely the result of the habit of all Lepido-
pterists to dub every hymenopterous parasite an Ichneumon. The parasite
seems to be not uncommon in Britain, and has various Lepidopterous hosts,
14 [January,
amongst which Orgyia (in this case aurolimbata) had not previously been
noted. Mr. Morley gives me references to various similar records, from which
I gather that they are very few in number, and that in only one of them has
the name of the parasite been reported.
In the Ent. Mo. Mag., Vol. I, pp. 73 and 235, are translations from the
Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1864, p. 158, and Bulletin, same year, p. xxxv, concerning
Diptera and a moth being afforded by a larva of A. caja. In the Entomologist,
Vol. Ill (1866), A. von Glehn records two parasitic larvae and an imago in the
case of A. atropos. In Ent. Mo. Mag., Vol. XX, p. 227, Dr Hearder describes
killing a parasite emerging from a larva of D.furcula, the dead remains being
left in situ, a moth duly emerged with a slightly crippled hind wing. Mr. Morley
records an instance in British Ichneumons, II, p. 263, of an Apanteles congestus
and a moth being afforded in the case of Z. filipendulx. This case seems not
quite free from a suspicion that the cocoon might have been spun at a point
where another larva had provided the Ichneumon cocoon. Mr. Morley also
refers in the same note to a curious story in Mag. Nat. Hist., 1834, p. 60,
possibly an instance of co-operative cocoon making rather than of survival
after parasitism. These seem to be all the items Mr. Morley knows of, in
English magazines. The Microplitis tuberculifera, Wesm., is dealt with
systematically by Marshall, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1885, p. 235 ; Andre, Bracon.
d'Europe, I, p. 510; and by Mr. Morley in the Entomologist, 1906, p. 103.
So far as one can generalise from these few facts, it would seem that the
host may survive the attack and emergence of the parasite, only in cases where
the parasite is a comparatively small species, usually when only one or two
parasites are present of a species that is gregarious in its host. This possible
explanation is given by Mr. Morley (I.e.). — T. A. Chapman, Betula, Reigate :
November, 1913.
Amara alpina, F., at Braemar. — In the early part of last June I had a
couple of days collecting at Braemar. The whole working time was spent on
Mount Morrone, which rises to a height of 2,819 feet, and I only worked above
the 2,000 feet line. I was fortunate enough to capture three specimens of this
scarce species, all under stones lying amongst the heather. One was the variety
with dull reddish elytra, the other two were of the ordinary type colour. I took
most of the usual mountain Carabidse, such as Miscodera arctica, Payk., Harpalus
quadripunctatus, Dej., Cymindis vaporariorum, L., Patrobus septentrionis, Dej.,
Calathus nubigena, Hal., and Harpalus latus v. erythrocephalus, F. In deer dung,
amongst swarms of Aphodius lapponum, Gyll., I got one A. nemoralis, Er. My
visit was too hurried a one to allow any real attempt to work the moss, but I
tried two or three likely looking spots with very poor success. The only other
beetle worth recording was Anthonomus conspersus, Desbr., beaten off mountain
ash by the Dee side. — T. Hudson Beabe, 10, Regent Terrace, Edinburgh:
November 15th, 1913.
1914.] 15
Neuraphes angulatus, Mull., in Scotland. - On the afternoon of October 25th.
I captured two specimens of this species by cutting tufts on a wooded bank at
Hawthornden. I can find no previous record of its occvirrence in Scotland.
With it I found Choleva anisotomoides, Spence (not uncommonly); a few speci-
mens of C. wilkini, Spence ; and a couple of C. spadicea, Sturm. This latter has
only been recorded from two or three Scottish localities. Phlwobium clypeatum,
Mull., was in some numbers. -T. Hudson Beare : November 15th, 1913.
Trypodendron domesticum, L., and Phlozophthorus rhododaetylus, Marsh., in
Forfarshire.— On November 1st I found, in the neighbourhood of Careston,
numerous galleries of T. domesticum in some dead beech trees which were still
standing. The timber was fairly sound and very dry. On the same day, near
Maisondieu Farm, Brechin, I came across P. rhododaetylus on whin and broom
stems, and secured both larva? and beetles. - J. W. Munbo, Natural History
Department, Aberdeen University : November 8th, 191.3.
Phlceophthorus rhododaetylus, Marsh., in Aberdeenshire. —This beetle is very
plentiful on whin and broom stems along the Eiver Dee, near Bieldside. On
November 5th I met with it in great numbers in this district. —J. W. Munbo.
Crypt or ■rhynchus lapathi, L., in Forfarshire. - In my note on C. lapathi
(antea, xlix, p. 257) I omitted to record its occurrence in Forfarshire. In April
I found its frass and gallei"ies on willows growing on the banks of the Esk and
the Crook at their junction near Stracathro. At the time I had no leisure to
search for the weevil. -J. W. Munbo.
Tinea tedella, CI., in Aberdeenshire. - This moth is proving harmful to young
spruce trees in Haylehead Woods near Aberdeen. The larva eats into the
needles at the tips of the side-shoots and sometimes spins them together. —
J. W. Munbo.
Eriophyes tristriatus, var. erineum, Nal., in Forfarshire. — On October 28th
I found galls of this Acarid on the leaves of a walnut tree in the Den Nursery,
Brechin. It is not common in the north. — J. W. Munbo.
An aberration of Colias edusa, F., $ . — Among a number of Colias edusa
taken by me on August 21st in the lucerne-patches on the cliffs near East-
church, Isle of Sheppey, there is one aberration of such singular beauty that,
at the suggestion of my friend Mr. G. T. Porritt, I am tempted to give a
description of it.
The specimen is a ? of full size, apparently only just emerged from the
pupa. The fore-wings are of the normal bright saffron-orange colour, with less
than the usual suffusion of black scales at the base ; the black border, which is
rather more angulated internally than in most examples, has the nervures in
16 [January,
its apical portion strongly marked in pale golden-yellow, and the pale spots in
this region ai*e much enlarged and confluent, forming a clear subrectangidar
patch extending from the costa to between the 4th and 5th nervures. The
fringe is very rosy, with a well-defined series of small yellow spots at the
extremity of each nervure. The suffusion of black scales on the disc of the
hind-wings is much less than usual, and the deep orange discoidal spot is clear
and well defined ; the hind-margins are broadly golden-yellow, clearly defined
on the inner edge, with the usual dark border almost entirely absent ; it being
reduced to a small blackish suffused subcostal spot, and three similar small
spots at the ends of nervures 4, 5, and 6, these being slightly larger and more
pronounced on the left side ; the inner margins are very clear and pale.
Beneath, the specimen is quite normal. The general effect of the insect is very
light and brilliant, but I did not notice it as different on the wing from ordinary
examples of the species. It is hoped that a figure of this beautiful aberration
may be given at some future time in this Magazine. - James J. Walker,
Oxford : December 9th, 1913.
Hemianax ephippiger, Burm., in Ireland. -Mr. J. N. Halbert, of the National
Museum, Dublin, has just sent to me for determination a beautiful female
example of Hemianax ephippiger, Burm., taken in Herbert Park, Dublin, on
October 12th last ; its captor, Mr. Albert Douglas, reporting that he found it at
rest on the grass. This is the second example of this interesting species which
has found its way to the British Isles. It will be remembered that the late
Mr. McLachlan, after careful inquiry into the details connected with its capture,
recorded (Ent. Mo. Mag., XXXIX, p. 96) the first example, which was taken at
Devonport in February, 1903. Mr. McLachlan's note gives some information as
to the migratory habits of the species and about its distribution. Swarms
appearing in the South of Europe are usually supposed to be of African origin,
and, as Mr. McLachlan mentions, it has occurred singly at Zurich, where it was
taken by Dr. Eis, and even as far north as Brussels. The only two European
specimens in my collection were given to me by Miss Fountaine, who took them
in Corsica. Lt.-Col. Nurse once saw it at Quetta, in thousands. It will be very
interesting to hear whether the species has occurred elsewhere in Europe during
the past season. —Kenneth J. Morton, 13, Blackford Eoad, Edinburgh :
November 17th, 1913.
Synonymy of Euphorus bistigmaticus, Mori., and Neoneurus halidaii,
Marsh. — In this Magazine (1909, p. 212) I described "an undoubted Euphorid "
(Braconidx) , from examples captured at Wey bridge, hovering over ant's nests,
and I am still of the opinion that the species belongs to the Euphorinse.
So little are these parasites worked that — except in Entom. Eec. 1913, p. 93 — I
am not aware that it has since been mentioned in literature; and it has been
my lot to discover that the same species was described by the Eev. T. A.
Marshall under the above name in Andre's Species des Hymenopteres d'Europe,
Vol. XVbis, 1897, p. 199, at the end of the " Areolaires," with a very fair figure
(pi. x, fig. 3). Even then it was anything but new, for the genus had been
enunciated by Haliday in the old Entom. Mag., V, 1838, p. 213, " areola radiali
1914.] 17
appendiculata, praediscoidali autem effusa . . . Genus Muiopseam. The wings
only of the insect were known, as drawn by Haliday, and copied by Van Vollen-
hoven. They differ widely from those of any other Braconid. " I have named the
species N. halidaii, and placed it provisionally as an aberrant form of the Areolarii
next after Orgilus, in Andre's species," says Marshall (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1897, p. 149).
I am not aware that the original drawing was published : Vollenhoven's is in
" Schetsen ten gebruike bij de studie der Hymenoptera," 1S68, pi. vi, though the
insect is certainly unknown outside England, except by my recent Luxemburg
record. Marshall, writing from Botusfleming in June, says : " I have been gratified
by the re-discovery here of Haliday's long lost genus Neoneurus. I have taken
both sexes by sweeping flowers in the fields " ; and " Cornouailles, capture deux
fois sur les ombelliferes " Hoc. cit.). It was not taken in time for insertion in
his Monograph of British Braconidos, and I there find no mention of the wing. —
Claude Morley, Monk Soham House, Suffolk : December Gth, 1913.
Dolichopus caligatus, Wahlb., in Perthshire — I have a male of this fly taken
at Aberfoyle on August 21st, 1906. The species has not hitherto been recorded
from Britain, and Mr. Collin who has kindly examined my specimen, tells me
it is the first British example he has seen. D. caligatus comes near lineaticornis,
Zett., in our list, but is easily distinguished by its silvery-white epistoma.
There is a good (English) description of this apparently rare species in Lund-
beck's " Diptera Danica," Part V, 1912. -A. E. J. Carter, The Retreat,
Monifieth : November, 1913.
Didea alneti, Fin., in Gloucestershire. — In view of the scarcity of this species,
it may be desirable to record that I was fortunate enough to meet with a
female specimen in a wood near Stroud on July 30th last. It was boxed on a
bramble flower, and when taken the abdomen had a semi-transparent greenish
metallic appearance, which afterwards (i.e., on the way back to the house at
which I was staying) resolved itself into the normal black with whitish bars.
Being quite a tyro in the matter of Diptera, to which I am just beginning to
pay some attention, I do not know whether it is customary for Syrphids to
alter in colouring after having been some time emerged from the puparium,
but certainly think this must have been so in the present case.— C. Nicholson,
35, The Avenue, Hale End, Chingford, Essex : December, 1913
Societies.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society: Meeting held at the
Royal Institution, Colquit Street, Liverpool, on Monday, October 20</i, 1913.
— Mr. P. N. Pierce, P.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Exhibitions were as follows :— Mr. W. Mansbridge brought along bred series
of Hadena glauca from Burnley, some of which showed a strong melanic
18 [January,
tendency ; also from Burnley, the melanie variation of Ematurga atomaria ;
Hyria muricata, purple form, and Camovympha typhon var. rothliebii, from
Witherslaek ; Nyssia zonaria from the Crosby Sandhills, and the insects captured
on the occasion of the Society's field meeting at Mold on June 7th, 1913,
including- Lobophora viretata, Cnephasia musculana, Capua favillaceana, Argyro-
lepia hartmanniana and Agriopis aprilina (larva). Mr. B. Tait showed a long
and variable series of the beautiful melanie form of Boarmia repandata from
Penmaenmawr, also bred Agrotis lucemea from the same district ; varieties of
Abraxas grossulariata, including- ab. varleyata, bred from various localities in
1913 ; Aplecta nebulosa var. robsoni and Geometra papilionaria from Delamere ;
Hecatera serena and Calligenia miniata from Sussex. Mr. Tait also gave an
account of his collecting holiday in Sussex, from which it appeared that
Lepidoptera had been as difficult to obtain in the south of England as in the
north during the past summer. Mr. Johnson exhibited a long and fine series of
C. typhon, including some very dark forms, from Witherslaek ; also Acidalia
fumata, Nisoniades tages, and Lycsena astrarche from the same place.
Dr P. F. Tinne, various species of autumn Lepidoptera from the North of
Ireland, including a nicely varied series of Cidaria tmncata, several being the
var. centumnotata. All the members present reported a very poor season from
a collector's point of view.
Monday, November 17th, 1913.— The President in the Chair.
Mr. W. Bowater, B.D.S., F.E.S., Brandon Lodge, Bussell Eoad, Moseley,
Birmingham, and Arnold W. Hughes, 33, Lacy Eoad, Everton, Liverpool, were
elected Members of the Society.
Br. P. F. Tinne read a paper entitled " Insects concerned in the Pollination
of Plants," in which he dealt very thoroughly with the part played by insects
in this important process. Dr. Tinne gave many interesting examples, chiefly
drawn from the Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, as to the methods of the various
species ; he described the structure of the floral organs of plants which facilitated
the operations of the insect principally concerned in the pollination, and also
indicated how unwelcome or inefficient visitors were repelled and imprisoned or
otherwise prevented from interfering with the process.
The following exhibits were made .—by Mr. W. A. Tyerman, a fine bred
series of Notodonta dromedarius var. perfusc.a, Dianthcecia nana, D. cucubali, and
Phibalapteryx vittata from the Southport district: also Sphinx convolvuli,
NemeopMla plantaginis, and Callimorpha dominula. A specimen of Chcerocampa
nerii captured by a farmer near Ainsdale on September 14th, 1913 ; it was in a
very dilapidated condition but easily recognisable, and it forms a very interest-
ing addition to our county list. Mr. W. Mansbridge showed a short series of
Thera variata and pale forms of T. obeliscata for comparison. — Wm. Mansbridge,
Hon. Secretary.
1914.] 19
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, October 9th, 1913.— Mr. A. E. Tonge, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Large additions to the Society's reference collection of British Lepidoptera
from Mr. W. G. Dawson were announced. Mr. Lucas read a paper: "The
Short-horned Acridians of the British Isles," and illustrated his remarks with
lantern slides of all the species. Mr. Ashdown exhibited Lepidoptera taken by
him in Switzerland in June and July last. Mr. Colthrup, a snail shell from which
he had bred a Dipteron presumably parasitic in the snail. Mr. Andrews, a scarce
Dipteron, the Syrphid, S. guttatus taken at Bexley in August. Mr. Step, living
examples of the ant's-nest Isopod, Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii, found in a nest of
Formica fusca. Mr. West (Ashtead), enlarged photographs of the same rare
woodlouse. Mr. Curwen, specimens of Syntomis phegea and its var. pjluemeri,
in which the white spots were reduced in size and number, from Pallanza and
Iselle, together with specimens of the rare Naclia ancilla. Mr. Newman, picked
series from a large number of bred Melitma aurinia, from County Clare and
Oban. The variation was extremely small, although the larva; were samples of
many broods. Mr. Tonge, a series of Coremia quadrifasciaria bred from a 9
taken at Albury, Surrey, showing but little variation.
Thursday, October 23rd, 1913. —The President in the Chair.
Prof. E. B. Poulton, F.R.S., gave an account of the mimicry exhibited by
the Nymphalines of North America, illustrating his remarks by specimens and
lantern slides. Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited a collection of the Sphingid;e found
in the Island of Trinidad. There were about 40 species in all. Mr. Sheldon,
series of species taken by him near Albarracin, Central Spain, including
Plebeius eephyrus var. hesperica, Agriades thetis ab. rufolunulata, A. thersites, and
Glaucopsyche cyllarus. Dr. Chapman was of opinion that A. thersites only
occurred where sainfoin was indigenous. Mr. L. W. Newman, Lepidoptera from
Co. Clare, Co. Cork, and Killarney, including very light Aplecta nebulosa, very
dark Luperina cespitis, Aphantopus hyperantus witli greenish shade on the under-
side, jEgeria scoliseformis, bred Dianthwcia capsophila, D. luteago var. barrettii,
etc., etc. ; he stated that the weather was very bad from April to the end
of September. Mr. A. E. Tonge, a specimen of Argynnis aglaia with a strongly
marked blotch formed by the coalescence of several spots on the forewings. —
Hy. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, November 5th, 1913. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Bakek, F.L.S., F.Z.S , President, in the Chair.
Dr. A. P. Semenoff Tian-Shanski was elected an Honorary Fellow in the
place of the late Prof. O. M. Renter.
The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society: — Messrs.
Hugh Warren Bedford, Church Felles, Horley ; Harold S. Cheavin, F.R.M.S.,
B 2
20 [January,
F.N.P.S., Clematis House, Somerset Road, Huddersfield ; Charles Albau William
Driffield, Stowting Rectory, Hythe, and Wye College, Kent ; W. Egmont Kirby,
M.D., Hilden, 46, Sutton Court Road, Chiswick, W. ; Louis Meaden, Melbourne,
Dyke Road, Preston, Brighton ; F. V. Bruce Miller, Livingston, N. Rhodesia ;
Alexander David Peacock, 137, Wingrove Gardens, and Armstrong College,
Newcastle-on-Tyne ; H. Ananthaowamy Rao, Curator of the Govt. Museum,
Bangalore, India j Percival Nathan Whitley, New College, Oxford, and Brank-
wood, Halifax.
The question of the change of title of the Society was opened for discussion,
but the preponderance of feeling appeared to be somewhat against any change.
The President brought before the meeting the necessity of forming a fund
for the care of that portion of Wicken Fen left by the late Mr. G. H. Verrall to
the National Trust, and at his request Mr. Rowland-Brown expressed his readi-
ness to act as Treasurer for any subscriptions given by Fellows of the Society.
Dr. G. B. Longstaff exhibited a series of 17 Thais rumina, L. (including a l+
of the var. canteneri, Feld.), taken in March, 1913, at Ronda, in Andalusia, and
called attention to the characters suggestive of a distasteful butterfly.
Mr. W. J. Lucas, three species of Panorpa, viz., a female of the scarce Scorpion-
fly Panorpa cognata, Panorpa germanica, L., and Panorpa communis, L.
Mr. H. Lupton, a specimen of Thalpochares ostrina, taken in the middle of June,
1913, about four miles from Ilfracombe. Also two varieties of Dianthacia
luteago, taken in the middle of the same month on the coast of N. Devon.
Dr. G. D. H. Carpenter read notes in connection with his exhibit of Epitoxa
albicincta. He also exhibited a case of miscellaneous insects and communicated
notes upon them. Mr. Donisthorpe, & $ , winged ? $ and a dealated $ and
5 $ of the very rare ant Solenopsis fugax, Latr., taken at Blackgang, Isle of
Wight, on August 26th, 1913. Mr. E. E. Green, an aberrant example of Pyrameis
(Vanessa) indica, Herbst, from Ceylon. Comm. J. J. Walker, a ? specimen of
the gigantic Neuropteron, Corydalis orientalis, McLach., taken by a native
collector at Chuchow. Mr. L. W. Newman, the following Heterocera : —
(1) Calymnia (Cosmia) trapeiina ; a melanic ? Avorn specimen taken at sugar
in Bexley Woods. (2) Zonosoma (Ephyra) annulata and pe.ndularia ; a long and
very varied series of both species, showing extreme light, dark, and intermediate
forms, and one very pink Z. pcndularia. (3) A series of hybrid Z. pendularia
? and annulata <?, specimens showing the markings of pendularia most
pronounced and the coloration of annulata prominent.
The following papers were read : — " New or little-known Heterocera from
Madagascar/' by Sir G. H. Kenrick, Bart., F.E.S. "The Culicidseoi Australia,"
by Frank H. Taylor, F.E.S. " Descriptions of New Species of Staphylinidas from
India," by Malcolm Cameron, M.B., R.N., F.E.S. " Pseudacrsea eurytus hobleyi,
Neave, and its models on Bugalla Island, Lake Victoria, with other members of
the same combination," by G. D. H. Carpenter, B.A., M.D., F.E.S. "Pseudacrsea
boisduvali, Doubl., and its models with special reference to Bugalla Island," by
the same. " The inheritance of small variations in the pattern of Papilio
dardanus, Brown," by the same.
19U.] 21
Wednesday, November lUth, 1913. — The President in the Chair.
It was announced that the Council had decided to make an annual grant of
two gnineas towards the mr.'ntenance of Wicken Fen.
The following; gentlemen were elected Members of the Society : — Messrs. B.
G. Adams, 15, Fernshaw Eoad, Chelsea ; Barnard Ormiston Dickinson, B.A., 57,
Castelnau, Barnes, S.W. ; Alfred Oliver Eowden, 3, Archibald Eoad, Exeter ;
Oscar Whittaker, Ormidale, Ashlands, Ashton-upon-Mersey, Cheshire.
The following Fellows were nominated by the Council as Officers and Council
for next year : — President, Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Treasurer,
Mr. A. H. Jones ; Secretaries, Commander J. J. Walker, M.A., E.N., F.L.S., and
Eev. G. Wheeler, MA., F.Z.S. ; Librarian, Mr. G. C. Champion, A.L.S., F.Z.S. ;
Other Members of the Council, Messrs. E. A. Butler, B.A., B.Sc, J. E. Collin,
S. Edwards, Dr. H. Eltringham, M.A., D.Sc, F.L.S., Messrs. C. J. Gahan, M.A.,
A. E. Gibbs, F.L.S., F.Z.S., E. E. Green, G. Meade- Waldo, Dr. G. W. Nicholson,
Hon. N. C. Rothschild, Messrs. H. Eowland-Brown, M.A., and C. J. Wainwright.
Mr. A. H. Jones exhibited specimens of both sexes of Plcbeius zephyrus,
var. hesperica, taken by him in June last at Albarracin in Spain ; also from
Albarracin, Melitsea desfontainii, var. bcetiea, Ebr., the Spanish form of M. desfon-
tainii, Godt. (an Algerian butterfly). Mr. E. E. Green, two Pierid butterflies of
distinct genera, Appias libijthea, Fab., £ , and Teracolus limbatus, Butl., ? , taken
in coitA at Aripu, Ceylon. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a large and very variable series of
Heliconius doris, L. Dr. Chapman, some Erebias, showing parallel variation in
several species in different localities. He raised the question whether this was
or was not due to mimicry. A considerable discussion followed. Dr. F. A. Dixey,
a drawer containing specimens of the genus Pieris, with drawings of their scent-
scales, and remarked upon them. Mr. A. Bacot, slides showing the development
of the Plague bacilli in the alimentary canal of the Flea, and the method of
infection through the mouth, and read an important paper on the subject.
Dr. K. Jordan, some specimens of a lepidopterous larva discovered by the
Eev. A. Miles Moss, F.E.S., who, when collecting near Para noticed a Saturniid
caterpillar with black intersegmental bauds and long branched spines, a species
of Automeris, some of the black bands of which appeared to be swollen. To his
amazement these swellings, when touched, quickly slid over the back of the
caterpillar to the other side with the hurried motion of a Pyralid larva, and
indeed turned out to be small lepidopterous larvae as black and glossy as the
bands of the Automeris caterpillar.
The following papers were read : — " Eevision of the Mexican and Central
American Malachiidse and Melyridse, with descriptions of new species," by
George Charles Champion, F.Z.S. " Four new genera and species of Hymenoptera
from Australia," and " Three new species of Australian Hymenoptera," by
A. A. Girault, communicated by A. M. Lea, F.E.S., Govt. Entomologist,
South Australia.
2"? [January,
THE LARVH OF AGRIADES DAMON AND PLEBEIUS
ARGYROGNOMON.
BY T. A. CHAPMAN, M.D., F.Z.S.
(Plates I-VII.)
In the summer of 1912 I visited the Isere Valley, in which Bourg
St. Maurice is a good centre lor Entomology, hut is not equipped with
any high-class accommodation. Val d'Isere, a village close to the
head of the valley, at 6,060 feet, is also a good centre, and we found
the Hotel Parisian, though primitive in its architecture, most
satisfactory in all essential respects. As the railway to Bourg St.
Maurice was nearing completion, no doubt this district will experience
the results of being more accessible, and a better hostelry at that town
will probably soon be found. Our excursion was extended over the
Petit St. Bernard to Pre St. Didier and Courmayeur.
My hopes of making some progress in my knowledge of Agriades
ihersites on this excursion were disappointed, though I did meet with
that species on the wing at Bourg St. Maurice on the last days of my
visit. I especially examined carefully the plants of Sainfoin (Onobry-
chis) whenever I met with it in quantity, thinking I might meet with
the. larva of thersites. This did not happen, but at Pre St. Didier I
obtained a number of larvse of A. damon, and in the Val Veni, at
somewhere about 5,000 feet, again found it sparingly along with an
abundance of those of P. argyrognomon. Both these larvae have been
figured, and though they can hardly be said to be well known, are still
no novelties, and P. argyrognomon has received some attention as the
species whose relations with ants have perhaps been most often referred
to. I think, however, that the further short notes on my experience
of these in 1912 will not be entirely superfluous.
The previous figures of these larvae that I have been able to find
are : —
Scriba, Beytrage (1790-1793) III, Tab. XV— both species.
Hiibner, Geschichte Raimen (1806-1818).
Damon (on Onobrychis), Lep. J, Pap. II, gens. A.a. 2. A good figure.
Argyrognomon (on Melilotus officinalis), Lep. I, Pap. II, gens. A. a. a. I.
Also good.
Duponchel. Damon, Icon. Chen. (1832-1842), PI. VI, fig. 20, (on Onobry-
chis). Poor copy from Hiibner.
Argyrognomon, I.e., PI. X, fig. 22, from Hiibner.
1914.] 23
Freyer, Neuere Beitr (1836), Argyrognomon, 169 (on Tetrayonolobus
siliquosus.
Hofman, Spuler, Lang, Dubois, &c, all appear to be, like Duponchel, copies
from Hubner directly or indirectly ; Scriba's, Hiibner's, and Freyer's
are the only original drawings I have found.
I refer later to an error in the drawings on Plate I.
The larvae of A. damon were found on June 23rd and later dates,
most freely in a somewhat shaded field of wild herbage, of which
sainfoin was a large part. The field had probably been sown with
sainfoin some years before and was gradually returning to an un-
cultivated state.
One or two larvae were picked up, but most were obtained by
sweeping ; the largest number were taken one evening by Mr. Champion
in this way, though several rewarded sweeping at midday. It seemed,
however, obvious that they came up to the flowering stems to feed in
the evening, and that the majority, but not all, spent the day some-
where lower down.
The larva is 13-15 mm. long (PI. I, figs. 5, 7, 8, 9, magnified nearly x 3),
rather flat, green, with a very silky aspect from the white hairs that are
especially long on the dorsal and lateral flanges. These flanges are rather
pronounced, the " slopes " being almost concave, and the dorsal line is in a
trough. Seen dorsally (figs. 5 and 8) the dorsal line is a very dark green ; the
dorsal flanges are very pale green, rather darker on outer margin, merging in
faintly indicated darker and lighter oblique lines on the " slope." The lateral
flange is very pale, especially posteriorly, with a reddish line sunk in it. Seen
laterally (figs. 7 and 9), there is a trace of yellow line in the dorsal flange and
the lateral flange encloses a coloured band, reddish above, whitish-yellow below,
but these colours being sunk well beneath the surface, change positions
according to angle of view.
The slope is set with very short silky hairs, that seem to be ranged round
two central points, one above the other on each segment (" upholstered "
hollows). The honey gland is a slightly darker line in some specimens, hardly
visible in others. The position of fans on 8th abdominal segment is usually
very obvious.
As the larva gets older (preparing for pupation), the hairs of the dorsal
flanges become slightly reddish instead of white, and in some specimens the
paler lines on the slope become distinct, they are four on each segment, down-
wards and backwards, the upper almost in dorsal flange, two right across
segment and the lowest has room only in front-half of segment. The lines and
spaces between them are about equal in width. Many specimens are uniform
green, showing no traces of these lines, and are even without the lateral line.
Those with the lateral line most distinctly seen, show it best when seen so as
to place the white line above the red, both look very deeply sunk, as is
frequently the case with the colours of Lycamid larvae.
24 [January, 1914.
The pupa varies a little in tint, usually the thorax and wing cases are
bright green, the abdomen ochreous ; there is a faint dorsal line (darker) and
numerous minute hairs. Length, 9-5 mm., greatest width, 3-l mm. There is
the usual waist at first abdominal segment. The summit of meso-thorax is
rather high, so that this point is as high as at 3rd abdominal segment. Seen
from above, the pupa narrows forward from the abdomen. It is quite free,
though it sometimes adheres to the larva skin, and the latter again to some
surface. There is no silken pad nor any trace of girth or cocoon.
My first acquaintance with the larva of P. argyrognomon in its
association with ants was in Carinthia in 1897, when I found a few
larvae on Vicia lutea. The larvae themselves on the plant, some ten to
twenty inches from the ground, would have been very inconspicuous,
but each was easily found by its being attended by several black ants
(Formica fusca ?) , which made an easily seen black point.
In the Val Veni (above Courmayeur), at about 5,000 feet, and
about a mile below the Chalet de l'Avizaille, is a rather barren flat,
long left by the stream, with stunted spruce and larch ; on the inter-
vening spaces is a rather scattered vegetation, including Sainfoin,
Helianthemum, Anthyilis, Hippocrepis, etc., etc. The Sainfoin, much
less luxuriant than that of the hayfields below, has nearly all the leaves
direct from the root-stock, and the flowering-stems are short with one
spike and a leaf or two. The leaves of some of these were seen to
have been eaten, usually shown by white patches where one cuticle was
left uneaten. On searching at the base of these, Lycwna larvae were
found which proved to be those of P. argyrognomon. Further search
showed them to be usually on the stem close to the root-stock, but
occasionally on the leaves. It was notable that the inhabited plants were
in little groups, with often considerable spaces between in Which all the
plants were healthy and unaffected. The " healthy " plants were
amongst a good deal of other vegetation, largely moss, giving a green,
smooth surface to the ground. The affected plants were in coarse sand
instead of moss. This sand was in reality material brought up to the
surface by a small black ant {Formica fusca), and then scattered about
the plants, though before this was fully appreciated, it had become only
too evident that the plants with larvae were well patrolled by these ants,
as they rapidly got all over one, their crawling being rather annoying,
apart from occasional sharp, but not very severe bites. Though the
ants were everywhere, they were only in force near the affected plants,
which seemed as a rule to be close to or actually on their nests, so that
they appeared abundantly as soon as the affected plants were touched.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
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CONTENTS. pagb
Further notes on Scents in Butterflies.— G. B. Longstaff, M..A., M.D., F.L.S.,
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A genus of Homoptera, &c., new to the British List.— If. F. Fryer, F.E.S.,
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Coleoptera in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire (continued). — H. Fortescue
Fryer, F.E.S 10
Host and parasite emerging from one larva. — T. A. Chapman, M.D., F.Z.S.... 13
Amara alpina, F., at Braemar. — Prof. T. Hudson Beare, B.Sc, F.S.S.E.,
F.E.S 14
Neuraphes angulatus, Miill., in Scotland.— Id 15
Trypodendron domesticum, L., and Phloeophthorus rhododactjlus, Marsh., in
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Cryptorrhynchus lapathi, L., in Forfarshire. — Id 15
Tinea tedella, CI., in Aberdeenshire. — Id 15
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Hemianax ephippiger, Burm., in Ireland. — K. J. Morton, F.E.S 16
Synonymy of Euphorus bistigmaticus, Mori., and Neonurus halidaii, Marsh. —
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Dolichopus caligatus, Wahlb., in Perthshire. — A. E. J. Carter 17
Didea alneti, Fin., in Gloucestershire. — C. Nicholson 17
Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 17
South London Entomological Society 18
Entomological Society of London 19
The larva? of Agriades damon and Plebeius argyrognomon (with four plates,
one coloured).— T. A. Chapman, M.D., F.Z.S 22
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v,
Enl. Mo. Mag., 1914. Plate VII.
m
m^0t%^
Wf *** ^
4 »
V ;
P/xi/n. A. E. Tongc
P. argvrognomon. Honey gland and proleg, last stage X 1 14
Kill. Mo. .!/</-., IV 14. Plalc 17.
1'. argyrognomon, last stage, larval skin X 30
Ent. Mo. Mag., 1VU. Flak V.
Photo. A E. Tonge.
A. damon. Honey eland, last skin X 114.
February, 1914.] 25
111 two cases an ant was seen actually carrying or trying to carry
a larva much larger and many times heavier than itself. In one case,
before the plant was in any way disturbed, a larva was seen advancing
rapidly up the stem of a leaf, much more quickly than the ordinary
pace of a Lyctena larva. A closer scrutiny showed that it was actually
being carried or dragged by an ant. In the other case, after some
interference with the plant, an ant was found to be trying to drag a
larva underground and to some extent succeeding. Much the same
process they employ with their own larvae and pupse when a nest is
disturbed. Many of the larvae down near the root- stock were well
covered by the loose material piled up by the ants. How far this con-
dition was due to the larvae burying themselves, how far to their being
guided by the ants, and how far to the ants piling the material over
them, could only be settled by much longer observation than was avail-
able, but I should fancy that each of these processes had its share in
the result. It is certain that the larvae could not have buried themselves
so deeply and so comfortably, if at all, on the unaffected plants. There
were usually several, and even half-a-dozen or more larvae to a plant, and I
could not help asking myself the question which had previously occurred
to me in regard to the larvae of corydon on Hippocrepis : did the butter-
flies lay eggs only on these affected plants ? Supposing they laid on
all the plants fairly impartially, were larvae absent from the unaffected
plants because they had perished for want of ant protection, or, as I
fancied to be more likely, because the ants collected the young larvae
and carried them to the conveniently placed plants ?
Two pupae (certainly early ones, looking to the abundance of
larvae) were found : one attached to a bit of dead stem, nearly an inch
below the surface, the superincumbent material being the lightly and
loosely placed coarse sand mixed with vegetable debris piled up by the
ants ; the other was very similarly placed, but was less disturbed in
the discovery, and there was found to be round the pupa an actual
cavity, in which were also some ants and^two half -grown argyrognomon
larvae.
On the Orwbrychis plants here there also occurred two larvae
of damon. Argyrognomon were also found on Helianthemum, on
Anthyllis, and also on Hvppocrepis along with those of corydon, but
only sparingly on each of these plants.
Larvae placed on Hippocrepis and on Helianthemum ate readily in
both cases. They were placed on Antliyllis only along with sainfoin, and
would not touch it with this choice before them. Larvae fed on Hippo-
26 [February,
crepis for a few days appeared to have very pale coloration. It was
then too late for any success in testing whether this was a result of the
change of food, or merely of an accidental selection of pale larva? to
place on this plant.
These larva? of argyrogn&mon, 10-13 mm. long (PI. I, figs. 1, 2,
3, 4, 6, x nearly 3) , presented very great variety m colour and intensity
of marking ; numerous as they were, one might almost say no two were
alike. The commonest form, i.e., the one in which a large number
nearly agreed, was a green larva with a dark brown dorsal band, much
the broadest in front, edged with white and a white lateral line, rather
darker spiracles, a few black dorsal and pale lateral hairs, and the rest
of the skin closely studded with points (hair bases) , black dorsally and
white laterally. Figs. 2 and 4 would be examples in this group, some
of which had a little more marking ; some were nearer to a uniform
green.
An extreme form in the opposite direction is of a rich purple
black, the dorsal band darker, edged with white, subdorsal region
faintly green tinged, with various oblique lines below. Fig. 3 represents
such a larva ; again no two quite alike. A good many larva? made
various approaches to this, of which fig. 6 may be taken as an example;
and from this to the green form, an intermediate series might be
selected, of which fig. 1 would be one form. These intermediates
(figs. 1 and 6) were really very handsome, richly coloured caterpillars.
The intermediate larva?, however, by no means represented a regular
gradation. Some, for example, of the darkish larva? have the white
lines pink, and the whole larva then presents a ruddy tint.
The markings, in a specimen in which they are well seen, generally
a darkish one something like fig. 6, present a purplish black
dorsal line with whitish border ; a dark band below this has a pale
upper margin, uniting at each end of segment with the white line above,
forming a pale kidney-shaped mark with greenish -purple centre.
Below this dark band, is a double pale greenish line with purplish
between, with again purple above the rather bright white lateral line.
These purple marks are the usual oblique lines of the slope, and really
continue over three segments from before backwards. Below the
lateral line is a purple band merging into the greenish underside. The
fans are two pale conspicuous spots.
The pupae are securely fastened by the cremaster and by a slight girth
across the first abdominal segment. Length, 9 — 10 mm., a depression dorsally
at 3 mm. from front at junction of thorax and abdomen. Height and width at
1914.] 27
mesothorax, 33 mm., at third abdominal segment 39 mm. in a fairly large
specimen. They vary much in colour : some are pale green, with the abdomen
rather more yellow, or the thorax, wings, and appendages tending to olive, and
a slightly darker dorsal line on abdomen. One or two are very unicolorous, of
a very pale yellowish green. In others the abdomen is a dark grass green, the
thorax darker, and the wings as if with a wash of black, almost black rather
than green. In some the dorsal line is distinctly reddish. In some of the
darker examples the wing nervures are very distinct as paler lines ; in the
lighter ones they do not show, though the tracheae can be seen in the trans-
parent tissue, best with a lens.
Some of the darker ones preserve much of the larval coloration and
markings, this is common in Lycamids, when the pupa? have newly moulted,
they retain it for several days. There are a great many very minute hairs,
requiring a lens to see them.
Most of the pupa) emerged in a few weeks, periods no doubt
affected by change of climate in travelling, but about a dozen of the
argyrognomon did not emerge, and though they did not look dead, did
not seem normal. These laid over the winter, and in the following
spring there emerged from each a specimen of an Ichneumon which
Mr. C. Morley tells me is Agryjwn anomelas, Grav. They escape by
cutting off a circular lid from the head end of the pupa. It is obvious
that the great care taken of these larvae by the ants affords no com-
plete protection against Ichneumon attacks.
Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, show various colourings of the larva of P. argy-
rognomon, and as a matter of fact, there are so many intermediate
colorings that a dozen or more figures would not exhaust the varieties.
The honey-gland, which is fairly conspicuous in the living larva, is
shown as on the 8th instead of the 7th abdominal segment in figs. 1
and 3, by some error in counting the segments. It seemed better to
reproduce the drawings as originally made, rather than correct them
when living larvae were no longer available. Figs. 5, 7, 8, 9, show
various aspects of the larva of A. damon. The differences between
these figures are more due to attitude and aspect than to any differ-
ences in the larvae, which are very nearly constant in colouring, much,
therefore, in contrast to the polymorphic P. argyrognomon.
I have added photographs of the skins of the first stage larvae of
argyrognomon, and of argus (segon) for comparison, x <>7. The
latter (argus) is described in Tutt's Brit. Lep., Vol. X, and the skins
of the 2nd and 3rd instars are figured. Argyrognomon in the iiisf
instar is seen to be rather smaller, and of more delicate texture than
argus (segon), but the hairs are (all apparently) very decidedly longer
28 [February,
than those of argus, even more than half as long again. The
disposition of hairs and lenticles is almost identical in the two species,
but the prothoracic plate has a rather different outline, and argus has
lenticles on the 8th abdominal segment that appear to be missing in
argyrognomon.
Fig. 12 shows the dorsum of the prothorax of the larva (full grown) of
damon (X30). The prothoracic plate is well in focus, and the stellate hair
bases are well seen, and the round bases of the special angular hairs. The
crowding of the hair bases elsewhere is great, and is equally seen in Fig. 13,
the 7-10th abdominal segments of the same larva. Fig. 13 shows the spiracles,
honey-gland, and position of fans. The hairs are not well seen in either photo-
graph. Figs. 14 and 15 show the honey-gland of the same larva ( X 114). Fig.
14, focussed for the surface, showing the crowding of hairs and lenticles round
the margin of the gland. Fig. 15 is focussed deeper, so that the four circles
in the bottom of the gland are well seen. I have supposed these circles to be
tubercles I and II modified, but whether they are actually glandular structures
I do not know.
Figs. 16 and 17 show the ends of the full-grown larva of argyrognomon,
(X30). Compared with the same parts in damon (figs. 12 and 13) there are
present dorsal, supra- and sub-spiracular hairs of large size (0"5 and 06 mm.
long) which are absent in damon, but the numerous small hairs are, as judged
by their stellate bases, smaller and less numerous. The four circles in the
honey-gland are very obvious.
Fig. 18 is the honey-gland (X 114) from the same specimen as fig. 17; it
exhibits the hair bases and lenticles around the gland, and the four circles at
the bottom of the cavity.
Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a pro-leg of a full-grown larva of argyro-
gnomon. There are an anterior and a posterior set of hooks, each in two rows ;
the central soft extensile pad is well seen.
I was very interested to find in Scriba's Beytrage (1790-1793)
that the two larvse I am describing now were also dealt with, practi-
cally together, by Chr. Ph. Pezold (who died in 1797) and are figured
together on his PI. XV. The figures are not very good, but the
descriptions and histories of the larvse are excellent. About A. damon
he says that the larvse are found on Sainfoin, usually on the stems
near the root, but came up into the plant to feed morning and evening,
leaving the ribs and under cuticle of the leaves. These skeletonised
leaves, and the ants that affect the same plants, and often com-
pletely cover the larvae, make it easy to find them. He says that
Esper had observed that this occasionally occurred with the larvse of
icarus. In 'Fuessly's Magazine (1785) one also reads that the larvse
of argus are covered with ants, which in no way interfered with their
wellbeing.
1914.] 29
Pezold observed and describes and figures the fans of the eighth
abdominal segment. He says they were extended and withdrawn
without intermission when the larvae were feeding. He saw no fluid
or other secretion from them, but was able to detect a scent. He
failed to notice the honey-gland, but seemed strongly of opinion there
was some honey, apparently regarding the fans as closely analogous to
the honey-cornicles of Aphides. His final remark is very noteworthy :
he says, may it not be that the ants, which in the case of the Aphides
give such assiduous attention for the sake of the humour they exude,
find in this case also some similar exudation ? that he could detect no
such secretion, by no means proved that there was none, and hopes
that time may permit him to learn more about it.
It is not impossible that he later discovered all about the honey-
gland, but if he did, no record of the circumstance is known.
EXPLANATION OF PLATES I— VII.
Plate I. Figs. 1-9. Coloured figures of the larvae of A. damon and
P. argyrognomon.
Plate II. Fig. 10. Skin of larva of P. argyrognomon in first stage, spread
out showing hairs, lenticles, etc., X 67.
Plate III. Fig. 11. Skin of larva of P. argus {segon) in first stage, simi-
larly treated, for comparison with fig. 10. X 67.
Plate IV. Fig. 12. Skin of prothoracic dorsum of larva of A. damon in
last stage, X 30; fig. 13, dorsum of 7th-10th abdominal segments of A. damon,
X30.
Plate V. Figs. 14, 15. Honey-gland region of larva of A. damon in last
stage, X 114 ; fig. 14, superficially focussed, showing hair-bases and lenticles
crowded round the gland ; fig. 15, focussed more deeply, showing the four
circles on floor of gland.
Plate VI. Fig. 16. Prothorax of last stage larva of P. argyrognomon, X 30 ;
fig. 17, dorsum of 7th-10th abdominal segments of same larva.
Plate VII. Fig. 18. Honey-gland of same specimen, X 114; fig. 19, first
proleg of same larva, X 114.
Betula, Reigate :
December, 1913.
30 [February,
ON THE OCCURRENCE IN BRITAIN OF THE CEUTHOBRHYNCHUS
CHALYBMUS OF CONTINENTAL AUTHORS, WITH REMARKS
ON SOME ALLIED SPECIES.
BY JAMES EDWARDS, F.E.S.
The small group of species to which the above-named insect
belongs is characterised by appendiculate claws and blue or blue-green
elytra, of which the interstices bear a single row of semi-erect bristles.
Our species of the group in question may be distinguished, inter se,
as follows : —
1 (2) Scape gradually widened to the apex sulcicollis, Payk.
2 (1) Scape distinctly clavate.
3 (4) Meso- and metasterna markedly whiter than the rest of the underside by
reason of the more closely placed white scales. Pubescence of the
head adpressed, not visible in the lateral aspect... chahjbseus, Germ.
4 (3) Meso- and metasterna not markedly whiter than the rest of the under-
side, except at the front angles of the metasternum.
5 (8) Rostrum in the basal half confusedly punctured.
6 (7) Bristles on the crown semi-erect, very evident in the lateral aspect.
Elytra sub-ovate, the interstices flat, the bristles longer and more
numerous, the striae outside the humeral callus deeper than the rest.
timidus, Weise.
7 (6) Bristles on the crown adpressed, not distinctly visible in the lateral
aspect. Elytra oblong, the interstices convex, the bristles shorter, less
erect and less numerous, the striae outside the humeral callus not
deeper than the rest moguntiacus, Schultze.
8 (5) Rostrum in the basal half punctured in rows hirtulus, Germ.
C. sulcicollis, Payk. This is the C. cyanipennis of British authors,
and needs no further comment here.
C. chahjbsem, Grerm. et auct. plur. This species is easily dis-
tinguished by its very white breast, the adpressed bristles on the
crown, and the stout legs of which all the femora are absolutely
untoothed. In the male the middle of the meso- and metasterna is
occupied by a wide depression ; in the middle of the last ventral
segment there is a circular depression, open in front and behind, but
with feeble raised side borders which become more prominent behind ;
the surface of this depression is conspicuously white owing to its close
covering of white scales.
I found one male at Norwich on May 2nd, 1878, but have no note
of the plant from which it came ; I have one from Beskidia, ex Eeitter,
and have seen others from Holland, ex. coll. Everts.
lyl4.] 31
The name chalybseus, Germar, being the symbol for a definition
which does not sufficiently define, might well have been relinquished ;
but it has not. For a long time this name was applied to a species
having simple femora and the meso- and metasterna more closely
scaled than the remainder of the underside {cf., Weise, Deutsche Ent.
Zeitschr., 1883, p. 326). In 1895, however, Weise {op. tit., XXXIX,
p. 487) re-named his chalybseus of 1883 pectoralis, and, by implica-
tion, transferred the name chalybseus t< another species which he had
taken near Weimar, and which, according to Schultze (/. c. p. 419)
differed from the older chalybseus, inter alia, by the absence of the
very white breast, In Ent, Nachr. 1900, pp. 227-232, Prof. H. J.
Kolbe has a paper on the blue species of Ceuthorrhynchus in which he
rejects the shifting of the name chalybseus, Germ., to Weise's species
from Weimar, and describes the latter under the name of C. ruebsaa-
meni. At the request of Dr. Everts, Prof. Kolbe has been so good as
to send for my inspection the type of C. ruebsaameni and also one of
Weise's Weimar specimens. The latter were found on Abies excelsa,
but the real food-plant of the species is rape, on the leaves of which
the larva lives in a flat lens- shaped gall about 5 mm. in diameter. I
have not, so far, seen any British specimens of C. ruebsaameni, Kolbe ;
though I have seen examples from Berlin and Istria, ex. coll. Everts.
In size and shape it resembles C. timidus, from which it may be
distinguished by the adpressed bristles on the crown (which latter are
directed backward, and not forward , as Prof. Kolbe says in his original
description), and the continuous and white-scaled middle groove on the
pronotum : one sometimes finds specimens of C. timidus in which the
middle groove of the pronotum is continuous, but these may always be
distinguished by the projecting bristles on the crown.
Prof. Kolbe, at pp. 231, 232 of his paper just quoted, says that
Thomson's C. chalybseus, which he re-names 0. thomsoni, is in all
respects very similar to the real chalybseus, but the interstices of the
elytra are less convex and narrower, and, particularly near the suture,
entirely flat ; the interstitial bristles are stronger upon the outer
interstices than upon the inner, the hind femora in the male have a
fine pointed toothlet, and in the female a stronger pointed toothlet.
By the kindness of Prof. Kolbe, who has allowed me to examine
his type, I am enabled to give the following particulars of the Scandi-
navian species, which is not unlikely to occur in the northern part of
this country. The insect may be at once distinguished by the white
interstitial bristles, which become modified on the outer interstices into
32 [February,
elongate-triangular scales similar in character though not so long as
those on the meso- and metasterna. The punctuation of the latter is
so sparse that it cannot be said that they are markedly whiter than
the rest of the underside. The scape is clavate, and the rostrum
confusedly punctured on its basal half ; the pubescence on the head is
adpressed ; the bristles on the pronotum and elytra are much less erect
than in C. timidtis ; the elytra have the interstices very uneven, and on
the outer side of the apical slope there are a few (8-10) broad triangular
tubercles ; the outer margin of the elytra in the basal third has about
ten rather distant semi-erect white hair-scales, and from thence to the
apex is ciliate with sub-contiguous white hair-scales. The type-
specimen is a female; it was almost destroyed in the process of
pinning, but in other respects is clean and in good condition. C. thom-
soni does not appear in Cat. Coleopt. Eur., 1906, where G. ruebsaameni
is put as a synonym of C. leprieuri, Bris. ; but according to a specimen
from Bone, Algeria, lent to me by Dr. Everts, the latter is a non-bristly
species !
C. timidus, Weise. This is, in niy experience, our commonest
species of the group ; it has the bristly clothing of the upper surface
more strongly developed than in any other species with which I am
acquainted. In the male the inner apical angle of the tibiae is produced
into a tooth ; there is a broad oval depression reaching from the hinder
edge of the metasternum to that of the second abdominal segment ;
in the middle of the last ventral segment there is a circular depression
which is bounded behind by a distinct ridge higher at each end than
in the middle. The surface of this depression is not more closely
scaled than the preceding ventral segment, and is concolorous with the
rest of the segment. All the femora are toothed beneath ; the tooth
on the middle pair is very distinct, that on the front pair very small,
and that on the hinder pair intermediate in size. In " Col. Brit.
Islands," VI, p. 195, it is said that the description of C. chalybseus
(op. cit., V, p. 348) must now be applied to C. timidus ; but the descrip-
tion in question refers to a species in which the elytral striae are almost
as broad as the interstices, and does not set forth the distinctive
characters of G. timidus. I have never seen a specimen of the latter,
British or foreign, in which the interstices were not, at least on the
disk, nearly twice as broad as the striae.
C. moquntiacus, Schultze. On May 4th, 1912, I knocked from a
plant of Sisymbrium alliaria (Alliaria officinalis) at Colesborne, a
Geuthorrhynchus, which at once attracted my attention by reason of a
1914.] 33
white middle stripe on the pronotum and its oblong shape. This I
determined, by the aid of Everts' " Coleoptera Neerlandica," to be
C. moguntiacus, Schultze ; but as I had only a single example prudence
suggested an application to Mr. Champion. With his customary
liberality he sent for me to see the material upon which his note on
this species (Ent. Mo. Mag., XLIV,* p. 2) was based ; this consists of
five examples, two from Caterham, two from Guildford, and one ex.
coll. D. Sharp, all evidently of one species and the same as my own
specimen. The specimen ex. coll. Sharp is labelled, in a hand-
writing which cannot now be identified, " viridipennis, Bris. forte " ;
and this circumstance led to the appearance of the latter name in
our list. Brisout, however, distinctly says that his viridipennis is
distinguished from chalybseus by its adpressed pubescence. The
two Caterham examples have been labelled by Dr. K. Daniel " mo-
guntiacus, Schultze " ; but one of them already had a label placed
on it by Schultze himself and bearing the name " chalybasue,
Germ. Sch.," and therefore, since it is permissible to assume
that an author is more likely to know what he means by his own
definition than another, further inquiry became necessary. It is
clear, however, from a specimen labelled moguntiacus by Schultze from
the Konigl. Zool. Museum, Berlin, lent to me by Prof. Kolbe, as well as
specimens from various continental localities lent to me by Dr. Everts,
that our insect is the moguntiacus, Schultze, of continental authors.
The male of this species has the inner apical angle of the tibiae pro-
duced into a tooth ; there is a broad depression reaching from the
middle of the metasternum to the middle of the second ventral
segment ; in the middle of the last ventral segment there is a circular
depression of which the hinder edge is somewhat raised, the raised
portion more evident at each end than in the middle ; the last ventral
segment, including the concolorous depression, is extremely closely punc-
tured, and the preceding segment is comparatively sparingly punctured.
All the femora are toothed ; the tooth on the hinder pairs small but
evident, on the front pair very minute. The punctures on the basal
half of the rostrum are crowded in the male, moderately close in the
female.
C. hirtulus, Germ. On June 27th, 1913, I found this species not
uncommon on water-cress at Colesborne ; I had previously beaten a
single example from Corsican pine in October.
Colesborne, Cheltenham :
January 6th, 1914.
* Incorrectly printed Second Series— XVIII [Vol. XLIII] on p. 1 of the volume in question.— Edb.
34 [February,
J
ANDRENA NANA OF BEITISH AUTHOES DISTINCT FROM
A. NANA OF KIRBY.
BY R. C. L. PERKINS, D.Sc, M.A , P.Z.8.
Some time ago on reading Kirby's description of Andrena nana,
I thought it very probable that this was not the common species,
which both in English works and in many Continental ones is placed
under that name. An examination of Kirby's type at once proved
that his specimen was entirely different from the nana of our
collections.
Recently, through the kindness of the Eev. F. D. Morice, I was
enabled to examine a considerable Continental series of the Andrena
nana group, collected by him at divers times in various European
countries, as well as some from Northern Africa and Asia. Of some
species, which possibly might occur in this country, he kindly allowed
me to retain typical specimens.
On a recent visit to the British Museum I again looked at Kirby's
type of nana, and at once saw that it was a widely spread Continental
species, known as A. schenckella, Perez. Kirby's name had already
been correctly assigned to this species by Schenck and Schmiedeknecht.
A. schenckella, therefore, becomes a synonym of A. nana, and it is more
than probable that the common species, which we have for years been
calling nana, will require a new name.
It is quite certain that Kirby did not recognise this common
species as distinct, as he included specimens of it amongst his minutnla.
I have not seen any exponent of the true nana, K. {schenckella,
Per.) from Britain other than Kirby's type, although I have now
examined about 1000 examples of this group of Andrena. It would
appear, therefore, to be very rare or local, and the case is similar to
that of Halictns Isevis, K.
The $ of the true nana is very distinct from any other of our
species from the fact that the impressed apical margins of the 2nd
and 3rd abdominal segments bear a number of distinct but shallow
scattered punctures. The first segment is polished, and distinctly and
plentifully punctured on the disc, while at the sides the punctures
become very sparse. The second segment is extremely densely and
distinctly punctured, the small amount of surface left between the
1914.] 35
punctures being also shining. The mesonotum is evenly punctured,
the punctures fairly deep, and the surface shining. The stigma is
yellowish-brown, not of the very pallid yellow colour of niy sp. ft
(Ent. Mo. Mag., 1913, p. 167), and of A. spreta, Per.
In the £ , according to a continental example taken by Mr. Morice
at Bozen in June, 1907, the abdominal sculpture is very similar to that
of the 5 . It bears a close resemblance to the 8jp. ft (alluded to
above), but the rugosity of the propodeum is less dense, and the
anterior area is defined by raised lines, the stigma is much darker, and
the face distinctly less wide. The ? of sp. ft on the other hand has
no resemblance to the $ of Kirby's nana, in fact the very great sexual
dimorphism of sp. ft is one of its most striking features.
In conclusion, I may add that the tables in my former paper
(Ent. Mo. Mag., XLIX, pp. 106-171) will require slight modification
now that the material examined has been so much greater, but it is
advisable to await further information from the Continent before
adding additional notes. It is clear that we have six quite distinct
species of the group in England. I have now seen 1 £ and 1 $ of a
second brood of A. nana, Saunders nee Kirby, the specimens almost or
quite identical with those of the first, so that the possibility of ep. ft
being a second brood of this cannot be entertained.
Park Hill House, Paignton :
December 16th, 1913.
DESCRIPTIONS OP SOME NEW SPECIES OF BRITISH
THYSANOPTERA (TUBULIFERA),
WITH NOTES ON VARIOUS DESCRIBED FORMS.
BY RICHARD S. BAGNALL, F.L.S.
(Hope Department of Zoology, University Museum, Oxford).
(Concluded from Vol. xlix, page 266).
HOPLANDROTHRIFS ELLISI, sp. n*
Length 2*3 to 2-6 mm.
Colour dark grey-brown ; fore-tibiae yellow, shaded with brown basally and
along edges ; extreme apices of intermediate and hind tibia yellowish ; all tarsi
yellowish ; basal half of tube darker than distal half. Antennal joints 1, 2, and
• 1 find pleasure in naming this and the following species in honour of Mr. H. Willoughby Ellis
and Mr. J. Collins respectively.
36 [February,
8 concolorous with head ; 3 light yellow with apical third touched with grey-
brown ; 4, 5, and 6 dark grey -brown with basal half, two-fifths and one-third
respectively yellow ; 7 with extreme base yellowish. Wings clear, except for a
very faint smoky tinge about middle ; cilia darker.
Head about 133 times as long as broad behind eyes, and l-75 times as long
as the prothorax. Cheeks with a few short spines, broadest behind eyes, gently
arcuate and as broad before the collar-like thickening at base as across eyes.
Eyes finely facetted ; post-ocular bristles set well back, longer than eye and very
slender. Ocelli fairly large, set on a slight prominence, the posterior pair some-
what close to the inner margins of eyes and on a line drawn through their
centre ; anterior one directed forwards and protected by a pair of setae. Mouth-
cone reaching about 0'7 way across prosternum.
Antennae somewhat as in H. bidens (Bagn.), about 1'65 times as long as the
head; joints 3 and 4 clavate, broader than any of the succeeding. Eelative
lengths of joints .—14 : 21 : 32 : 31 : 27 : 23 : 20 : 12 :— 3 sense-cones on 3, 4 on 4,
and 2 on both 5 and 6.
Prothorax transverse, twice as broad across hind angles as long ; all setae
present, long and blunt, the postero-marginal ones the longest, about 0'7 the
median length of the prothorax. Pterothorax as long as broad, broader than
width across fore-coxae ; sides of metathorax narrowing to abdomen. Legs
somewhat short and stout. Fore-femur strongly incrassate, with a pair of
moderately large teeth at apex within ; fore-tibia stout and only about 0-6 the
length of the femur, apex obliquely produced and inner margin set with a
broad-based tooth at about basal third ; tarsal tooth long and stout. Fore-coxa
with one long blunt hair and several short stout spines. Wings reaching to
about 7th abdominal segment, not constricted near middle ; cilia long and not
very closely spaced, duplicated.
Tube 0'6 the length of head, about 2-2 times as long as broad at base, and
about 05 as broad at apex as at base ; terminal hairs slender, colourless
except at base, and a little longer than tube. Bristles on 9th segment not quite
as long as tube ; tergite with a pair of spine-like setae near posterior angles,
about 0-33 the length of tube. Lateral abdominal bristles on segments 2 to 8
yellowish, with the exception of one pair, blunt or " knobbed," longest on 7
and 8.
9 . A little larger, fore-legs less strongly incrassate and without the
femoral and tibial teeth; genal spines more numerous but more minute and
therefore less obvious. Post-ocular and prothoracic bristles apparently slightly
shorter ; pair of spine-like seta? on 9th abdominal tergite absent.
Type : In Hope Collections, University Museum, Oxford.
Hah. : Several <$ $ and one ? (slightly immature) taken by beat-
ing dead branches, etc., at Balsall Common, Warwickshire, with
PMoeothrips coriaceus, September, 1913. I owe a nice series largely to
19U.1 37
Mr. Willoughby Ellis's energetic assistance— the species was distinctly
rare and difficult to get. One ? obtained by beating a dead sallow
branch near Kirtlington Park (Oxon), 21.ix.13, is apparently referable
to this species.
HoPLANDROTHRIPS COLLINSI, sp. 11.
Length about 1*5 mm.
Colour almost as in H. ellisi ; antennal joints 6 to 8 wholly dark brown, 3
yellow, brown distally, 4 with basal third and 5 basally yellow or yellowish
brown ; basal joints greyish near base.
Head only 1"1 times as long as broad, slightly converging posteriorly, genal
spines minute. Mouth-cone almost reaching across prosternum. Antennae l-7
times as long as head ; relative lengths of joints : — 12 : 17 : 30 : 27 : 23 : 22 : 18 : 14 ;
3 and 4 clavate, broader than any of the others ; 5 broadly clavate, broader
than 6 to 8.
Prothorax and setae about as in H. ellisi. Pterothorax a little broader
than long ; sides of metathorax converging to abdomen. Hind-legs compara-
tively a little longer than in H. ellisi ; fore-legs only moderately crassate, with
the pair of teeth near apex of femur within smaller than in H. ellisi ; tibiae
longer and more slender, without tooth at basal third within ; tarsal tooth
somewhat short, sharp. Coxae as in H. ellisi. Wings as in H. ellisi, 10 cilia
duplicated.
Tube 0-6 the length of head ; terminal hairs, bristles of 9th segment and
lateral abdominal setce as in H. ellisi.
Readily separated from H. ellisi by its smaller size, shorter and relatively
broader head, and the coloration of the antennae.
Type : In Hope Collections, University Museum, Oxford.
Hob. : One £ taken with H. ellisi, Balsall Common, Warwickshire ;
and another <J by beating dead ash branches, Enslow Bridge (Oxon),
September, 1913.
The genus Hoplanclrotlirips is "apparently composed of numerous
somewhat closely allied forms and is known from Europe, Africa, and
North America.
The European species Phloeothrips annulipes, Reut. (Finland) ;
minor, Uzel ; parvus, Uzel (Bohemia) ; brevicollis, Bagn. (Norway) ;
and albovittatvs, Schille (Poland), are known from females only, and it
is probable that some or all of them should be referred to Hoplandro-
thrips. Of these, albovittatus is distinctive on account of the coloration
of the prothorax, whilst annulipes, parvus, brevicollis, and Hoplandro-
thrips bidens, Bagn. (Hungary) , are separated at once from the species
just described by having the intermediate and hind tibiae yellowish
both basally and apically. P. minor has the head only slightly broader
3S [February,
than long as in collinsi, but the coloration of the antenna? is distinctive,
the 5th antennal joint is fusiform, and the tube is nearly as long- as
the head.
Of the American species, xanthosis, Hood, insolens, Hood, uzeli,
Hinds, have the tibiae yellow; funebris, Hood, has the antenna?
uniformly brown ; juniperinum, Hood (somewhat near collinsi), has
minute prothoracic seta? ; and microps, Hood, has a peculiarly shaped
head with distinctive chaetotaxy. Jennei, Jones, and armiger, Jones,
have the innermost pair of bristles on the 9th tergite knobbed, and
the antenna? coloured somewhat as in minor. Pergandei, Hinds, is very
near collinsi, but has the base of the 6th antennal joint yellow, the
pterothorax narrower, and the 5th antennal joint apparently fusiform,
whilst raptor, Crawford, is not unlike ellisi, differing in the shape of
the head, the coloration of the antenna?, and in the postero- marginal
seta? of the prothorax, which are much shorter than those at posterior
angles.
Of the two described African species, hoodi, Bagn., is a very dis-
tinctive one ; natalensis, Tryb., is near collinsi, differing in its coloration,
relative lengths of antennal joints, chaetotaxy of abdomen, etc.
Cryptothrips latus, Uzel.
One example and larva? taken by Mr. Wm. Harvey at Bournemouth,
January, 1913. Several examples and larva? amongst dead branches
and old bean sticks, Hogley Bog, near Cowley (Oxon), September,
1913, with an undescribed HaplotJirips. Previeusly known as British
from a single specimen, without data, in the British Museum.
Cryptothrips major, Bagnall.
Described from a single Norwegian example, Mr. C. B. Williams
has had the good fortune of discovering both sexes and larva? in Surrey
and is bringing forward the species.* I have taken larvae that agree
well with those submitted to me by Williams in Oxfordshire and
Warwickshire, and possess a single £ taken by Mr. J. Collins at Water
Eaton (Oxon) in August, 1913.
Cephalothrips monilicornis (Eeut.).
Several wingless examples on grass from the Euskin Reserve,
Cothill (Berks), September, 1913.
* Journ. Bcon. Biol., December, 1913.
1914.1 39
Trichothrips sEMiCiEctrs, Uzel.
One example from under baric of willow on the bants of the
Cherwell, near Oxford, February, 1913.
Phlceothrips coriacetjs, Hal.
With an undescribed Hoplandrothrips, by beating dead branches,
Balsall Common, Warwickshire, September, 1913 (H. Willoughby
Ellis and E. S. B.).
Hoodia baonaIjLi, Karny.
Numerous larvae and one imago on wych elm, Abingdon ; larvae
on wych elm and ash, Cothill (Berks), September. Larvte on ash at
Enslow Bridge and Water Eaton (Oxon), October, 1913.
Oldstead, Park Town,
Oxford : December 9th, 1913.
Do House-flies hibernate ? — -It is commonly believed that the persistence of
Musca domestica from one season to another is ensured by the survival of a
certain number of fertilized females, which pass through the winter usually in
a dormant condition in nooks and crannies in houses, and become the mothers
of the earliest broods of the following year. In spite, however, of the large
amount of attention bestowed upon the house-fly during the last few years,
owing to the recognition of its importance as a disease-carrier, definite proof
that the insect hibernates in the perfect state is still wanting ; indeed, Dr. Henry
Skinner, as the result of an observation made by him last March at Philadelphia,
U.S.A., has recently answered the question at the head of this note by stating
that : — " House-flies pass the winter in the pupal stage and in no other way "
(Entomological News, Vol. XXIV, No. 7, July, 19J3, p. 304). This conclusion,
it should be noted, is directly at variance with results obtained in this country
by both Newstead and Jepson.
Did we possess exact knowledge of what happens to the house-fly in the
interval that elapses between the disappearance of the last belated stragglers
in November and December, and the sporadic invasion of our dwellings in the
following June by the earliest skirmishers of the season, it is obvious that
we might be able to deal more effectually with an ever-recurring menace to
the public health. This point has not been overlooked in the investigations
upon " Flies as Carriers of Infection," which for several years past have been
carried on by the Local Government Board, under the direction of Dr. S.
Monckton Copeman, F.R.S., but hitherto the results have been purely negative.
Hibernating flies belonging to several species have been found in attics and
elsewhere, but upon careful examination it was found that these did not include
a single house-fly. In this matter the importance of accurate determination
4 0 [February,
of species is obvious, and the object of the present note is to enlist during the
current winter the sympathetic aid of readers of this journal, in securing and
forwarding for identification collections of hibernating flies. Such flies may
be looked for in attics and other unoccupied rooms, in chinks and crannies in
living rooms, such as the space between a shutter or a loose piece of wall-paper
and the wall, and in stables, barns and other out-buildings close to houses. Every
consignment of flies so collected, if forwarded (with a label stating place and
date of capture) either to Dr. S. Monckton Copeman, F.R.S., Local Government
Board, Whitehall, S.W., or to the writer, will be gratefully and promptly
acknowledged and investigated. The flies should be placed, just as they
are, in a small tin box or wide-mouthed bottle, well protected by soft
wrapping, and despatched by parcel post. Such parcels if sent to Dr. Copeman,
at the Local Government Board, and marked " O.H.M.S.," need not be stamped. —
Ernest E. Austen, British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, London,
S.W. : January 10th, 1914.
Pterostichus parumpunctatxis, Germ., in the Newcastle district. — This beetle
has been very abundant this year in the Newcastle district. My friend
Mr. W. E. Sharp, while staying with me in March, took two specimens under
bai-k in Ravensworth Woods, but in April the species turned up in great numbers
in the same place ; 70 specimens were taken in a very restricted area, and I was
able to supply a number of friends and correspondents with series. After this
no further search was made for it, but odd examples continued to turn up in
different places until the second week in July. The last one taken this year
occurred in mid-November, walking on the road only half-a-mile from my house.
The species occurs chiefly under logs, but is found also under bark, in rotten
wood, under stones in damp places, and one even turned up in the sweeping net.
There was little variation of any kind in the specimens observed. —
Geo. B. Walsh, B.Sc, 156, Bede Burn Road, Jarrow-on-Tyne : December, 1913.
Neoclytus acuminatus, F., in Yorkshire. — On the occasion of the Annual
Meeting of the Entomological Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union, I
was handed a pill box containing a beetle. Casually glancing at it I rashly
named the insect Clytus arietis, but some time afterwards when taking the
specimen out of the cotton-wool in which it was imbedded, I found it was not
that species, but Neoclytus acuminatus, F. (Clytus erythrocephalus, F.). I at
once wrote to its captor asking for further particulars. These he very kindly
supplied me with, and I can now add that the insect was taken from an ash
tree, imported via Liverpool (no doubt from America) in the wood yard of a
firm of machine makers in Huddersfield. The species has been twice recorded
previously : by Mr. Doubleday in his garden at Epping, and by Mr. Thorpe at
Middleton, near Manchester. The former of these is referred to by Stephens
(111. Man. IV, 245), who quotes from Curtis, fo. 199: "Mr. SparshalFs cabinet
contains a single specimen of this insect, taken alive a few years since in
Epping Forest by Mr. Doubleday," and adds, " but the insect being a native of
Georgia, is not likely to be indigenous." Lis range is, however, more extended
than here given, being, according to Junk's Coleopterorum Catalogue, Canada
and United States of N. America. — E, <;. Uayfokd, 2, Rockingham Street,
Barnsley ! January lUh, 1914.
'/'A. ravages of Bupalua piniarius in Prussia. During my recent visit, to the
Eorc ts of tin' Oberforsterei of Salmunster, Hessen Nassau, I have had the
opportunity of seeing the greal extent to which the common G-eometrid,
Bupalus piniarius, cent multiply, and the damage that the larvee can cause to the
Pine, Unfortunately I was no1 there early enough in the summer to note
whether the imago was then more than usually abundant, but it is now easy to
Bee, even at a distance, where the so-called "Spanner" has been at work, by
the very pronounced thinness of the crown, The needles, as could be seen on
the snow-thrown and felled trees, were nibbled in the way characteristic of the
attacks of this species, Although (In- peel is to be found in numbers all over
the area under pine, the more serious attach was over some fifty acres where
the trees were 60 70 years old, with the crowns beginning 66 80 feet up from
the ground. A search on December 11th by Mr. W. C, Lowdermilk and myself
;d the foot of a Bingle tree, selected at random, in this area, resulted in the
discovery of :w> pupae, over an area of some 40 square feet, and, judging from
the proportion of the ground examined, we estimated we could have found at
least another 200 there. No preference for any particular aspect could be
ascertained indeed such was hardly to be expected in a close stand. The
pupa; were, as usual, mosl l.y at 1 he depth where decomposed and undecomposed
needles adjoin, ami were of ten completely surrounded by ice particles. A rery
small percentage- some 6 or 7 of the 386 appeared red, and contained the
larvee of an unknown parasite. Not a single pupa of Trachea jn/iwperda — the
" Eule" was found, although it is destructive in some years, — H, <i. Champion,
New College, Oxford : January VJth, 1914.
AifUUUJJS.
" I)ji'TEitA Immoa. Part IV. Dolichopodhwb," by Wh.i.iam Lundbkck,
8vo, 407 pp. 130 figs. Copenhagen, G. E, C, Gad. London : William Wesley
and Sons.
This volume, forming part of the important work on Danish Diptera begun
by Mr. Lundbeck in 1907, is similar in general arrangement and style to the
previous volumes, and should appeal to British students, for the author gives
intelligent and recognisable descriptions in English of all the genera and
species know)) to inhabit Denmark, and of then., over 87 per cent, also inhabit
Britain. The family of Dolichopodidm have attracted the attention of many
able workers in the past, and are consequently fairly well known; it is there-
fore not surprising that Mr. Lundbeck should find in Denmark only two species
[BoUchopus varitibia and Medeterus melancholicus) which he fell called upon to
<!< scribe as new to Science, and of these, the firs! is a synonym of J), latieola,
Verrall (v. Ent, Mo. Mag., 1913, p. 131), The work yet remaining to be done
42 [February,
in the family, in the way of a more scientific arrangement of the genera,
evidently has been apparent to the author, but having had little occasion to
study other than the Danish genera, he does not attempt to deal with the
subject, but gives us the information that there is the possibility of its
receiving attention in the near future at the hands of that experienced
Dipterologist, Mr. Th. Becker, of Liegnitz. The 130 figures are mainly of wings
and antennas, the many beautiful characters to be found in the legs and geni-
talia being very seldom figured. It is interesting to compare the fauna of
Denmark and Britain, for in many respects it is remarkably similar; in the
present volume there is no Danish genus described that does not also occur in
Britain, while we have seven genera (Orthochile, Bhaphium, Melanostolus,
Telmaturgus, Lamprochromus, Micromorphus and Aphrosylus) and about 88
species not at present found in Denmark. On the other hand, 23 species are
described from Denmark that are at present unknown in Britain, but of these
it is almost certain that Teuchophorus signatus, Zett., is identical with our
T.pectinifer, Kow., for an examination of a co-type of this latter proves that the
supposed differences mentioned by Lundbeck do not exist. The publication of
these volumes should give a great impetus to the study of Diptera in Denmark,
and it is to be hoped that Mr. Lundbeck may long be spared to continue
the series.
" Fabre, Poet of Science," by Dr. C. V. Legros, with a preface by J. H.
Fabre: translated by Bernard Miall. London and Leipsic : T. Fisher Unwin.
8vo, pp. 352. 1913. An English translation of the life of this famous veteran
naturalist, as portrayed by his intimate friend, Dr. Legros, was much wanted,
and we can commend Mr. MialFs excellent translation to our readers. The
subject is divided into sixteen chapters by the French author, and the source
of his information is given in the "Notes" on pp. 331 — 347 of the translation.
The letters addressed by Fabre to his brothers during the years spent as
schoolmaster at Carpentras and Ajaccio are especially instructive in respect of
the almost unknown years of his youth, these giving a fine illustration of his
marvellous energy and disinterested labour. The subsequent chapters teem
with observations on the habits of the insects, etc., so patiently watched, and so
charmingly described, by him. An excellent heliogravure portrait of Fabre is
appended.
" The Life of the Fly," with which are interspersed some Chapters of
Autobiography by J. Henri Fabre, translated by Alexander Teixeira de
Mattos, F.Z.S. London, New York, Toronto : Hodder and Stoughton, 8vo,
pp. XI and 508. 1913.
The present volume is stated to contain all the essays on Flies, or Diptera,
from the " Souvenirs Entomologiques," the purely autobiographical essays com-
prised in the " Souvenirs," and a chapter on the Caddis-worm. The term ' fly,5
therefore, is used in a very elastic sense in this book, and the translator's note,
on p. 5, that the Cicada, or Cigale, is an insect akin to the grasshopper, seems
1914.] 43
to show a lack of entomological knowledge on his part. Like all the works
of Fabre, the "Life of the Fly " abounds with interesting accounts of the habits
of a variety of insects — the Anthrax, Greenbottles, Grey Flesh-flies, Bumble-
bee fly, Bluebottle (" the laying " and " the maggot "), etc., each having a
separate chapter devoted to it. The book should be in the hands of all
lovers of entomology.
Philip Reese Uhler, LL.D. — This eminent Hemipterist, the first to take up the
systematic study of the N. American forms, died at Baltimore on Oct. 21st, 1913,
having been born in the same city on June 3rd, 1835. At the early age of ten
years, on his father's farm at Reisterstown, he commenced to acquire a fondness
for the study of insects, which continued unabated till his death, even during
the years of blindness preceding the end. His publishing career began in 1855,
terminating in 1904, when failing eyesight (temporarily restored by an operation
in 1886) put a stop to his labours in this direction. His first paper was on
Coleoptera (1855), the next two on Neuroptera (1857-58), and the first on
Hemiptera (1860), to which order he subsequently devoted his entire attention.
The admirable concise chapter on these insects, published in "Kingsley's
Standard Natural History" (1884-85), shows how firm a grasp he had of the
whole subject. During the later years of his life he had in preparation a mono-
graph of the N. American Capsidm, but this was never finished. His collection
of American Hemiptera was presented to the U. S. National Museum at
Washington some years ago, and now forms part of the collection of that
Institution. Uhler was elected a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences
of Philadelphia in 1858, and of the Entomological Society of Philadelphia in
1859, and he was one of the founders of the Entomological Society of
Washington. The above particulars are mainly taken from Prof. L. O. Howard's
notice published in the " Entomological News " for December, 1913, in which a
portrait of Uhler is also given. The present writer had the pleasure of meeting
him more than once during one of his visits to London. — G. C. C.
Jules Desbrochers des Loges, Editor of " Le Frelon " (Chateauroux), died on
August 10th, 1913, at Tours, France, in his 70th year. He was the author of
many papers on Palffiarctic and exotic Curculionidse, to which group of
Coleoptera he was mainly devoted, "Le Frelon" being filled with his writings.
He had paid especial attention to the Algerian fauna.
^octettes.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society:
Thursday, November 13^,1913.— Mr. A. E. Tonge,F.E.S., President, in the Ohair.
Prof. W. Bateson, F.R.S., gave an address on the " Problem of Species
which overlap Geographically," illustrating his remarks with numerous lantern
slides. Mr. Curwen exhibited specimens of Parnassius apollo from Eclepens
44 [February,
and the Laquinthal, mostly very large examples, and including var. pseudo-
nomion from Eclepens. Mr. Newman, long and variable series of Zonosoma
annulata and Z. pendularia, with many dark aberrations, and also a series of
the hybrid between these two species, showing well the characters of both.
November 27th, 1913. The President in the Chair.
The Annual Exhibition of Varieties, &c. : Mr. West (Greenwich), the Hon.
Curator, fifteen cabinet drawers of the Society's reference collection, with
which had been incorporated a portion of the Dawson collection. Dr. Chapman,
a nearly black Argynnis aglaia from Le Lauteret, July, 13th, 1913, and speci-
mens of Agriades ther sites, Polyommatus icarus and var. icarinus, with diagrams
to show the different alignment of spots. Mr. Edwards, a box of conspicuously
coloured Heterocera from Burmah. Mr. H. Moore, the rare Papilio hecatseus
from the Solomon Islands. Mr. Schmassman, a series of varieties of the & of
Ornithoptera hecuba, and a pair of the gorgeous 0. alexandrse from New Guinea.
The Eev. G. Wheeler, examples of melanic and xanthic aberrations, including
Argynnis niobe ab. pelopia, Melitsea phcebe ab., M. varia ab., M. cinxia ab., and
Melanargia, sp. ab. of the former and A niobe var. eris, Callimorpha dominula var.
persona, etc., of the latter, and referred to many species in which yellow was
produced in aberrational forms. Mr. E. Adkin, a series of third brood Celas-
trina argiolus, and disciissed the species as to its appearance during the present
season. He also showed a long series of Agriades coridon, including ab. syn-
grapha, ab. semisyngrapha, and many other fine aberrations and series from
various localities. Mr. Baumann, a series of Boarmia repandata from seveial
localities, including var. sodorensium and var. conversaria, and specimens of the
melanic form of Acidalia virgularia, which he was placing in the Society's
collection. Mr. Bright, a large number of striking aberrations of British
Lepidoptera, including a long series of undersides of Agriades thetis and
A. coridon, a white aberration of Argynnis paphia, Colias edusa with wings
richly shot with purple ; a curious Saturnia pavonia of female coloration with
male antennae, etc. Mr. Grosvenor, his fine collection of Ccenonympha tiplion
and its local races. Mr. Curwen, numerous Lycsenidse taken by him in Italy
and Switzerland, and many aberrations of Melitsea didyma. Mr. Newman, a
varied series of recently bred Smerinthus ocellatus ; series of Amorpha populi
from pale cream colour to almost black, with intermediate and rich pink forms ;
and a series of hybrid ocellatus $ and populi ? , two being of the rare $ form.
Mr. A. Gibbs, a section of his collection of S. American Nymphalids, including
many of the brilliant species in the genus Perisama. Mr. W. G. Sheldon, his
long series of Melitsea desfontainii, taken by him at Albarracin this year, and a
series of M. aurinia var. iberica from near Barcelona for comparison. Mr. T. W.
Hall, cabinet drawers of Agriades coridon and A. thetis, showing great aberra-
tion with very pronounced blue females and some females curiously splashed
with blue. Mr. Main, frames containing series of photographs of the life-
histories of Cicindela campestris (tiger-beetle), Chrysopa flava (lace-wing fly),
Phyllotoma aceris (jumping saw-fly), etc. Mr. Tonge, a bred series of Psilura
monacha, including the black form ab. eremita ; a long series of Tapinostola
1914.] 45
concolor, etc. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a case of twenty-three pairs of the S. American
genera Melinxa and Heliconius, found flying together and assimilating to each
other in colour. Commander Gwatkin-Williams, aberrations of British Lepido-
ptera from Ireland, including Epinephele jurtina, ? ° with banded hind wings,
several Cidaria which possibly may be C. concinnata ; Xanthorhoe montanata
with band obsolete, confluent Anthrocera trifolii, Euchloe cardamines, ? ? , with
ochreous hind wings, etc. Mr. Chas. Oldham, two series of small chalk stones
that he had collected within a small radius of the openings of two wasps' nests,
and which the wasps had been unable to carry to a greater distance. Mr. A. W.
Buckstone, for Mr. Archer, a bleached form of Angerona prunaria, 3 , from
Oxshott ; an almost black Lithosia helvola (deplana) from Wimbledon ; and an
Acidalia which was supposed to be a very aberrant form of A. subsericeata.
Mr. H. Worsley-Wood, numerous forms of Mellinia ocellaris, including ab.
lineago, ab. intermedia, with M. gilvago for comparison ; yellow Brephos par-
thenias from Wimbledon, and lead-coloured males of Agriades thetis from Corfe.
Rev. J. Tarbat, black suffused forms of Brenthis euphrosyne, ab. nigro-sparsata
of Abraxas grossulariata, and a Cidaria truncata with a broad-banded fore-
wing. Mr. Haynes, a series of hybrid Selenia tetralunaria, J , and 8. bilunaria,
$ , with a large preponderance of gynandromorphous specimens ; melanic and
ochreous varieties of Ennomos quercinaria, etc. Mr. H. J. Turner, a series of
Erebia stygne, to show the extreme local variation in the Alps and Pyrenees.
Messrs. Sharp and C. W. Colthrup, many Colias edusa from the South-eastern
district, representative of the species in 1913. Several interesting discussions
took place. — H. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union: Entomological Section. -The two
Annual Meetings of the Entomological Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists'
Union were held at the Leeds Institute, on October 25th last, Mr. W. Falconer,
President of the Section, occupying the Chair.
Reports on the work done in the various orders of Insects were read by the
Secretaries of the different Committees. That on Coleoptera was given by
Mr. E. G. Bayford, who stated that, despite the scarcity of beetles generally,
due to the long spell of heat and drought, nineteen species had been added to
the county list, whilst forty-eight species already in the list had been recorded
from one or other of the Ridings for the first time. Mr. Arthur Whitaker read
the report on Lepidoptera, stating that all the Members who had sent in notes
remarked on the great scarcity of moths during the year, attributable, probably,
to the wet, cold summer of the previous year. An exception to the general
scarcity, however, was the unusual abundance of Pyrameis atalanta ; whilst
Aplecta occulta had evidently made one of its periodical invasions of the inland
districts of the county. Orthosia suspecta had also occurred in its periodical
abundance ; and Colias edusa had occurred in several localities, including
Bridlington and Hull. Consequent, probably, on the dry and prolonged summer,
Abraxas grossidaria,ta had produced second broods of full-fed larva; in the
gardens at Barnsley, Huddersfield, &c.
46 [February,
Mr. W. Denison Roebuck F.L.S., reported for the Hymenoptera, Diptera, and
Hemiptera Committee, that the only observations received were on Hymenoptera.
Aculeata were noted at Luddenden and Halifax by Mr. H. Walsh ; at Keighley
by Mr. Rosse Bntterfield ; at Leeds by Mr. A. Hodgson and Mr. Roebuck ; at
Ronndhay by Mr. A. E. Bradley ; and about Selby by Mr. J. F. Musham. All
the observers agreed that the season had not been a favourable one. Of species
of more than usual interest, Mr. Walsh at Luddenden noted Halictus freygess-
neri, $ , fairly plentiful at harebell flowers in one place ; Crabro dimidiatus and
Bombus jonellus sparingly. Mr. Butterfield's observations at Keighley included
Bombus soroensis, in fair numbers, from Keighley to Skipton — a fine record for
Airedale— though it has long been known to be not uncommon in Wharfedale;
Nomada ferruginata in Howden Clough, Keighley, June 15th ; the local N. lath-
buriana in fair plenty, entering the burrows of Andrena cineraria, intei'esting
as furnishing a new host ; A. helvola and A. analis more plentiful than in any
other year of his experience. Mr. Musham gave some interesting field-notes on
the commoner species, and Mr. Bradley's notes on humble-bees, at Ronndhay,
were most interesting. He found one £ of Psithyrus quadricolor parasitic on
Bombus pratorum. He notes that while at Ronndhay, B. terrestris is nearly as
common as B. lucorum ; in the last two years he and his little daughter have
only been able to find one specimen of the parasite of the first-named, a female
of Psithyrus vestalis ; the parasite ( /'. distinctus) of B. lucorum was extremely
common, the males abundant in August and September. Males of P. campestris,
the parasite of B. agrorum, were frequent in the same months, the majority
being faded examples, but all the fresh-coated specimens were of the dark
variety ; they had not taken the female. B. hortorum and B. lapidarius were
found a good many times, but no specimen at all of their parasites — P. barbu-
tellus and P. rupestris, respectively. Mr. Bradley observes of the season that in
April, May, June, and part of July, humble-bees were numerically scarce as
compared with the corresponding months of 1912, but in the succeeding months,
right into October, it was obvious that they (especially males and young queens)
were vastly more common than in the previous season. There is little doubt as
to the reason : 1912 was a bad season for them — damp and cold — the colonies
did not thrive, although a great number were started. Consequently, com-
paratively few impregnated queens went into hibernation. This year fewer
colonies started than before, but owing to the wonderful summer they have
been remarkably prosperous. Mr. Bradley's list of Roundhay humble-bees,
arranged in order of frequency, is thus: Bombus lucorum, ? V > $ ; B. agrorum,
$ ? , (J ; 2?. terrestris, <j> °. , $ ■ B. lapidarius, ? ? , $ ; B. pratorum, ??,(?;
B. hortorum, £ ? only ; Psithyrus distinctus, 9 S ; P. campestris, <J only ;
P. vestalis, ? only ; P. quadricolor, <J only. In Mr. Roebuck's little garden at
Hyde Park Corner, Leeds, the abundant species every year on flowers of Epilo-
bium angustifolium, is Bombus pratorum, the others occurring— P. agrorum,
B. terrestris, B. lucorum —being very scarce, but this is not surprising in a well
built up part of the city.
Of other groups than Aculeates, Mr. W. E. L. Wattam sent an example of
Sirex noctilio, taken in the town of Huddersfield ; and Mr. B. Morley, a number
1914.] 47
of Ichneumonid and Braconid parasites on Lepidoptera. From Skelmanthorpe
he had Pimpla alternans, Grav., ? , from Boarmia repandata ; Stenichnewnon
trilineatus, Gmel., <? , from Abraxas grossulariata ; a new species of Ophion which
Mr. Claude Morley will describe in the next volume of his "Ichneumonologia
Britannica," from Agrotis agathina and Tseniocampa populeti ; Macrocentrus
infinnus, Nees, from Dasypolia templi • Apanteles salebrosus, Marsh., from Pieris
brassicx ; and Blaptocampus nigricomis, Wesm., $ , from Cabera pusaria. From
Normanton he had bred four Hemiteles similis, Gmel. (one ? ), hyper-parasitic
through a species of Apanteles from Emmelesia alchemillata ; Apanteles spurius,
Wesm., from Hadena pisi ; and Lissonota sulphurifera, Grav., $ , from Dianthoccia
carpophaga. From Penistone Moors, Barylypa insidiator, Forst., $, from
Acronycta menyanthidis. From Doncaster, Microgaster connexus, Nees, from
Porthesia auriflua. From Canterbury, East Kent, Meteorus caligatus, Hal., £ ,
from Eupithecia absynthiata. From West Cornwall, Probolus alticola, Grav., J ,
from Toxocampa craccse. From Aberdeen, Pimpla instigator, Fab., <J, from
Acronycta euphorbise. Mr. G. T. Porritt read the report on Neuroptera and
Orthoptera ; and Mr. W. Falconer that on Arachnida.
The exhibits of Coleoptera were numerous and of much interest. Mr. Cribb,
a box of Hydradephaga from the Bradford district. Amongst them were
numerous confirmations of the older records, including Bidessus geminus
previously recorded only from Hebden Bridge in 1831. Hydroporus discretus,
Agabus congener, Helochares 2>unctatus, Homalota tibialis, U. islandica, Myccto-
porus clavicornis, Anisotoma ovalis, Longitarsus ochroleucus, and L, membranaceus,
all from North Yorkshire, by Mr. M. L. Thompson. Coccinella hieroglyphica,
Monochamus stitor, Phyllobrotica 4-maculata, Ophomts brevicollis, and other
local captures by Dr. Jordan of Bubwith. Dyschirius seneus and Heterocerus
britannicus by E. G. Bayford, who also exhibited, on behalf of Mr. E. C. Horrell,
of Scarborough, a munber of rare species taken in that district, e.g. — Notiophilus
hypocrita, Hydrsena longior, Bledius terebrans, Micralymma brevipenne, Longi-
tarsus senecionis, and Tomicus laricis. The same gentleman had also sent a
number of interesting melanic forms and colour varieties, with several speci-
mens showing asymmetry. Amongst these were an almost black Nebria livida
and the varieties rubens and lateralis of Podabrus alpinus.
Those of Lepidoptera were numerous, the most noteworthy being an extra-
ordinary, and probably unique, variety, of Anchocelis rufina, of an almost
uniform dark chocolate colour, by Dr. Smart, who took it among specimens of
the ordinary forms in South Wales. Mr. G. T. Porritt showed the best of the
varieties of Abraxas grossulariata he had bred during the year, including four
exceptionally fine dark nigrosparsata from wild larvae from Huddersfield.
Mr. Fred. Kaye showed the variety varleyata from the same district, and Mr. A.
Whitaker had bred the same form from Barnsley. Mr. Fletcher showed four
specimens of Aplecta occulta taken at sugar in Haw Park, Wakefield ; black
Fidonia atomaria from the moors, near Huddersfield, were shown by various
members, as were other similar, but now well known, variations in other species.
Dr. Croft exhibited a collection of Alpine, &c, butterflies, taken by himself this
year. The Hymenoptera included the various parasites bred by Mr. B. Morley,
48 [February, 1914.
alluded to in the report on that order, and Thyreopws cribrarius by Mr. Bayford.
Of Orthoptera, Mr. Porritt showed Decticus verrucivorus, For/icula lesnei, and
Apterygida albipennis, taken by himself in East Kent in September ; and
Mr. Bayford, an example of Periplaneta australasiae from Barnsley Trichoptera
were represented by a case of specimens taken in the Skipton district by
Mr. Cribben.
At the Evening Meeting, after the election of Officers for the ensuing year,
two papers were read on " Asymmetry in Coleoptera, with especial reference to
the specific value of Notiophilus 4-punctatus," by Mr. E. G. Bayford ; and
" Harvest Mites," by Mr. W. Falconer, on both of which discission ensued. —
G. T. Porritt.
HELP-NOTES TOWARDS THE DETERMINATION OF BRITISH
TENTHREDINIDJE, &c. (32).
BY THE REV. F. D. MORICE M.A., P.E.S.
TENTHBEDOPSIS, Costa (continued from (30) Vol. XLVIII, p. 236).
Dr. Enslin, to whom I already owe so much in connexion with
these papers, has just laid me under a new and quite unexpected
obligation. I have long been waiting anxiously for the. appearance (in
Deutsche Ent. Zeitschr.) of his Revision of Palasarctic Tenthredopsis
spp. ; and now, in answer to an enquiry when it might be expected
to be published, he has sent me the original MS. of his tabulation,
which is in the press, but not yet issued.* Consequently I feel that I
have no longer any excuse for delaying my own attempt to elucidate
the British spp. : and am now preparing Tables for the determi-
nation of their $ $ , soon, I hope, to be followed by similar Tables for
the J <$ . These Tables, however, to judge from their appearance in
ms., will be somewhat lengthy, and also, as it seems to me, will
require a certain amount of preliminary explanation to render them
practically useful. And as papers of more than a certain length can
naturally not be inserted whole in a single number, or even in two
numbers, of this Magazine, I fear that some little time must elapse
before the completed paper can be in the hands of my readers.
Almost without exception, so far as concerns the British fauna,
such characters of structure — including sculpture, puncturation, etc. —
as have yet been utilized for the determination of Tentliredopsis spp.
are in one way or another exceedingly unsatisfactory. Most of them,
to an eye not specially trained to appreciate such characters, are quite
inappreciable ; and often they are only visible at all, when examined
* Since this was printed Dr. Enslin's work has appeared. — F. D. M.
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The larvae of Agriades damon and Plebeius argyrognomon (concluded) (with
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AGEION ORNATUM.
March, 1914.] 49
from a particular point of view and with great care to avoid illusions.
Besides this, they almost all turn upon questions of degree — a little
more or a little less, &c. — and are absolutely incapable of being
defined in language which shall cover all cases. No possible Tables
founded on them can ever make the determination of the species easy
even for an expert, much less for a beginner: and practically it is by
characters of coloration only that most actual determinations are made.
These latter characters are generally recognised with little difficulty ;
but it is certain that some of them are liable to variation, and to what
lengths such variation may go within the limits of any particular
species, it is as yet quite impossible to say ; we know only that among
the few forms exhibiting well-marked peculiarities of structure there
seems to be almost unlimited variability as to colour, but, if we refuse
in other cases to accept colour-characters as " specific," it will be
impossible? to distinguish "species" among them at all! Perhaps it
is needless to point out that no division of forms into species, varieties,
and so forth, which rests entirely on the observation of likenesses and
unlikenesses, whether of structure or colour, among cabinet-specimens
(picked up here there and everywhere by collectors in various districts)
can be more than 'provisional, in the absence of any evidence as to the
occurrence of pairing between particular <$ J and $ ? , or as to the
descent of particular groups of specimens from a common stock, or as
to the attachment of different forms to different food-plants, &c. And
unfortunately in the case of Tenthredopsis forms, such external evi-
dences as to their consanguinity are at present hardly ever to be
obtained. Of most of our reputed species no form is known except
the imago ; no one is known to have reared even a single brood of
them ; pairings between what we assume to be their sexes have never
been recorded ; in short we are absolutely ignorant of any fact of
their actual life-history which might suggest affinities with other
forms, and only believe them to be " species," because specimens of
them agree in a certain number of " characters," which we believe in
this particular case to be constant, though we have no positive proof
that they are so !
The remedy for these evils is obvious. If we are ever to arrive at
anything approaching finality in classifying and naming Tentkredopsis
forms, we must find their larva), food-plants, <fcc, and learn how to
rear them through successive generations, noting and recording all
indications that any of their characters are or are not constant: we
B
50 [March,
must ascertain positively what $ $ and ? $ pair together normally,
and whether their offspring reproduce exactly the characters of their
parents, &c. But all this, even if it is likely to be attempted, will take
long years of skilled labour ; and in the meantime we should do well
not to feel too confident that our reputed species, varieties, &c, are
correctly distinguished and defined.
It is possible, however, that even in cabinet specimens characters
may yet be found, which will bring us a little nearer towards finality
than we are at present. Cameron held that clear characters correlated
with true specific difference might be found in the " saws " of all
Tenthredopsis ? $ , and from my experience of such characters in other
genera, I should have expected this to be so. But personally I have
not succeeded in detecting such characters in the present genus ; and
Cameron, who believed that he had detected them, contrived to
separate by means of them in his Vol. I, several forms, which after-
wards (in Vol. IV) he considered to be identical ! My impression is
that such differences probably exist ; but that we have still to leam
what they are, and how we are to look for them. Mere outline-
sketches of the jagged under-edge of the saw, I feel certain, will not
teach us much.
For the present, however, we can only deal with this genus by
making such use as we can of the differences already ascertained to
characterize certain forms, and so dividing them into groups, some of
which, probably, may coincide with real species, while others may
ultimately rank higher yet (sub-genera) and others probably are at
most local races, &c. There seems no reason why we should not
provisionally accept some of these groups as species, and make use of
the orthodox methods (" Priority," &c.) to furnish them with names.
But I fear that a great deal of the labour that is now-a-days expended
on this subject will in the end prove to have been wasted; or, at
least, survive only in the shape of additional " synonyms."
If, setting aside all questions of species, varieties, &c, we think of
British Tenthredopsis merely as so many "forms " agreeing and dis-
agreeing in points which are capable of more or less precise definition,
I think we shall come to certain results which may be stated as
follows : —
(a) On a certain character — almost the only quite positive and
u u mistakeable character of structure which occurs among them — we
litH.j
51
can divide all the 2 ? into two distinct groups, viz. i A — forms with
large and strongly excised hypopygium ; and B — forms with the
hypopygium entire and normal. Group A, according to present ideas,
is to be treated as one single " species," viz. : litterata, Geoffr., but it
includes forms of every possible variety in coloration ; in fact, their
coloui'-differeiices are much greater and more obvious than most of
those which, in group B, are treated as specific, (b) Then in group B
we find one form (excisa) separated from the rest by a characteristic
incision in the apical margin of its clypeus. But for distinguishing
inter se the forms, other than excisa, in this group, we can get but
little assistance from comparing them as to points of structure, and
are practically forced to rely chiefly upon colour-characters. Let us
now see what these characters are.
I find it convenient for practical purposes to think of them as
divisible into two hinds, viz.: (1) Differences in the ground-colour ;
and (2) Differences in what has been called jrictura albida (velflava).
(1) I think of the " ground-colour "in a TentJiredopsis as primarily
and originally pale yellowish or brownish, sometimes with a slightly
warmer reddish tinge (awantiacus) , but never definitely red. This
ground-colour is displaced by black (or at least dark brown), in some
cases to a very slight extent, in others largely, and in some almost
entirely ; and especially in the last case we find the blackening dis-
placed in its turn, but only in certain places, viz. : on segments of the
abdomen which lie beyond (i.e., posterior to) the " median segment"
or " propodeum " — by more or less extensive definitely red " macula) "
on each side of the upper surface or dorsum, which macula? are in
some species actually confluent over the dorsum, leaving only the basal
and apical segments entirely black.
Accordingly, apart from pictura albida, we can arrange these
forms, according to their coloration, into a continuous series, with
practically quite yellow forms (e.g., typical nassata ? ) at one end of the
scale, and black forms with completely red-banded abdomens (e.g.,
normal coqueberti ? ) at the other. Between these extremes we find
all sorts of intermediate conditions (e.g., forms darker and smaller than
typical nassata, but much resembling certain continental named varie-
ties of that species ; and black-bodied forms with hardly noticeable
red abdominal markings such as spreta, thornleyi, and the form called
by British authors tristis). But I do not think that we have yet
E 2
52 [March,
any positive proof that even the most dissimilar among these forms
may not be mere varieties of one and the same species : for, after all,
certain forms, which we are practically sure are only varieties of
litferata, differ quite as much from one another in coloration — and
differ in the same directions — as nassata $ differs from thornleyi ? or
coqueberti ? . Neither, however, have we any positive proof of the
contrary : for it is perfectly conceivable that, in one species of a
genus, coloration may vary indefinitely, and in another be normally, or
even invariably, constant. We may suspect, but we cannot be sure,
that the coloration of any particular form is (or is not) constant, till
we have watched it through successive generations, or found that it is,
or is not, correlated with a habit of pairing only, or at least normally,
with some particular form of the opposite sex. In this case no such
observations are yet on record.
(2) Now as to the "pictura albida vel flava." This is a veiy
beautiful and conspicuous ornamentation of certain particular
divisions only of the integument, with brilliant white or yellow (cpiite
distinct from the duller yellows of the ground-colour), which appears
in every British Tenthredopsis form without exception, but is much
more developed (i.e., more extensive) in some forms than in others.
At the very least it occupies the mouth parts (labrum, etc.) with more
or less (usually the whole) of the clypeus and the scutelhim (perhaps
also the cenchri— at any rate, for whatever reason, these are white or
whitish in all our species ! ) . In its extreme developments it extends
very much further, i.e., to some or all of the following parts : —
almost the whole head (gense, tempora, and orbits of eyes ; the apices
of the supra-antennal tubercles occasionally), also the edges of the
pronotum with the tegulse ; the posterior corner (rarely) of the " middle
lobes " of the mesonotum ; a triangular appendage at the apex of the
scutellum, the post scut ellum and certain sclerites following it ; the
pleura?, sterna, coxa3, and trochanters, and finally the apical margin of
the propodeum. Further than this point, in the posterior direction, it
never goes; so that we may say, "pictura albida in a Tenthredopsis
ends exactly where rufescence begins ! "
(To be continued).
ion.] 53
AN EXCUBSION TO SOUTHEEN TUNISIA, WITH NOTES ON
SOME OF THE COLEOPTERA, &c, MET WITH.
BY G. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S.
We often read about entomological expeditions to Algeria, but
very little has been published about Tunisia, so far as I am aware. A
brief account of an excursion last spring to the southern limits of
that country may therefore be interesting to the readers of this maga-
zine, On April 26th last I joined my friends, the Eev. F. D. Morice,
A. v. Schultess, and Theodor Steck, at Tunis, and after staying
there a few days to visit Carthage, the coast at Marsa, &c, we
proceeded by train to Kairouan. Here we met a well-known Swiss
entomologist, Dr. Santschi, long resident in the town, who kindly
guided us to various places in the district. On May 3rd we continued
our journey by train to Sbeitla, remaining there till May 7th. From
Sbeitla the train was then taken to Tozeur, the terminus of the line,
about 9-§ hours journey, the last section of which, from Metlaoui on-
wards (about 35 miles), having not long been opened. From Tozeur
we drove along the sand dunes bordering the great Djerid Chott and
the large palm-oases, about 16 miles, to Nefta, another Arab town,
not far from the Algerian frontier, and considerably to the south of
Biskra. Staying here one night, May 12th, to look round the
neighbourhood, we returned the next day to Tozeur. On May 14th
we proceeded northward to Metlaoui, travelling thence by the eastern
line to Gafsa. Here we remained till May 17th, and on the 19th left
by the night train for Sfax. After spending about three days at this
coast town, the train was again taken for Tunis, via Sousse, the
journey being broken for a few hours at El Djem. Tunis was reached
on May 20th, where we remained till May 23rd, one day being devoted
to the hills about Hainmam Lif, and another to Carthage, &c.
The country seen on these long railway journeys was on the
whole uninteresting till the fine gorge of the Seldja, about 7 miles
from Metlaoui, was reached, this defile being not unlike that of El
Kantara, well known to travellers proceeding to Biskra. A great deal
of cultivation (vines, olives, &c.) was observed in the neighbourhood
of Tunis, Sousse, Sfax, Kairouan, &c. ; but the main business of the
southern regions was the transpoi'tation of phosphates, extensive
quarries of which are worked at Metlaoui, &c. At Sbeitla large quan-
tities of esparto grass (halfa) are brought in on the backs of camels to
the railway for exportation. Now and then mountain peaks or ranges
54 [March,
were visible from the train, but we did not approach very near the
higher ground. From Metlaoui the line descends over uninhabited
dry stony regions, clothed with scattered spiny plants, the whole way
to the Arab villages adjacent to the palm-oases. Our collecting ground
was mainly confined to the following places : —
(1) Tunis. — Carthage and the coast at Marsa, both easily and
expeditiously reached by electric railway, one line going across the
shallow lagoon to La Groulette and the other along its shore ; Hammam
Lif and the scrub-covered dry hill slopes above that place ; the beauti-
ful park and gardens of Belvedere and the adjacent Jardin d'Essai
just outside the town.
(2) Kairouan. — The plain and gardens outside the walls, and
the hill of Djebel Baten, 13 kilometres distant.
(3) Sbeitla. — An exposed district at a considerable elevation
(about 1700 feet), with an abundant water supply (which is carried
100 miles to Sfax), and a good deal of stony ground about the famous
temple and ruins of Sufetula, adjacent to which the arid places are
everywhere covered with scattered spiny plants.
(4) Sfax. — The gardens inland along the Grabes road and the
coast north of the town, the portion to the south being wholly devoted
to the preparation of salt for export.
(5) Gtafsa. — An old town and military station near the great
Oued Baiech, with a palm-oasis and desert adjacent, The old roman
Capsa.
(6) Tozeue. — An excellent centre for excursions into the ex-
tensive, beautiful oases, the great Chott, &c, and with good accommo-
dation at the Bellevue Hotel.
(7) Nefta. — A similar Arab town to the westward. The great
heat here, as at Tozeur, even in May, was somewhat trying.
(8) El Djem.— An Arab village with fine Roman ruins
(Thysdrus), the ground about the place being mostly under cultiva-
tion and, in consequence, unproductive.
The characteristic Coleoptera of the regions are, of course, the large
Tenebrionidee (Adesmia, Pimelia, Blaps, Ocnera,AJcis, Scaurus, Tentyria,
Pachychila, Erodius, Zophosis, Sepidium, and, in the north, Asida),
various Cicindelidse and Carabidte (amongst the latter the fine Anthise
and Graphipteri are well worth the journey to see actually at home),
Buprestidee (Julodis, Aurigena, Acmeeodera), Lamellicornia, (Scara-
1914.] 55
baeus, Onitis, Oniticellns, Gymnopleurus, Glaphyrus, Amphicoma, Cetonia,
Hoplia, Hybosorus, &c), Meloidte (Mylabris, CEnas, Lydus), GEdemer-
idx (Probosca, Chitona, CEdemeraJ, Cistelidze (Omophlus), Glythrides ;
Chrysomelidse (Timarclia), Malachiidse, Dasytidae, DermesUdae (Alta-
genus, Anthrenus), &c. Amongst the Hemiptera-Heteroptera many
Pentatomidse, Goreidm, Lygasidx, Reduviidse, and Gapsidse were
captured, such genera as Emblethis occurring on sandy ground every-
where. Of Lepidopiera very few came in our way, except some small
Geometridte, Crambidse, and Pyralidse at light, at Tozeur and Gafsa,
and probably not a dozen species of Rhopalocera were seen during the
whole time, and those mostly common " Britishers," the only one
particularly attracting our attention, at Sbeitla, being Evchloe char-
Ionia. The Hymenoptera and Orthoptera, numerous enough in places,
the particular quest of one or the other of my companions, must be
left for them to report upon. Odohata were seen in numbers along
the irrigation channels in the palm-oases, some of them belonging
to the genus Orthetrum, and one pallid form occasionally on the
desert, an OnychogompJms. Amongst the large number of CoJeoptera
and Hemiptera taken, certainly not less than 300 species in all, the
following are a few of the more interesting forms, so far as at present
mounted and identified, taking the localities in the order given above :
Tunis. — On the sandy sea-coast of Marsa, the usual littoral
beetles, such as Eurynebria complanata, L., Pimelia grossa, F., one or
more species of Tentyria. Erodius, Scarites, Plialeria and Brachycerus,
Adimonia barbara, Er. (?), in profusion (many of the specimens being
' cripples'), Masoreus, &c. About the ruins of Carthage, numerous small
Mediterranean forms, divers Scaurus, Asida and Pimelia, Rhagonycha
barbara, F. (in profusion, nearly all females), &c, but nothing of par-
ticular interest was noted. In the Belvedere Park and Jardin d'Essai an
AJcis was common along the roads and paths ; and on the flowers and by
sweeping, an Amphicoma, Mycterus pidverulentus, Kust., CEdemera bas-
alis, Kust.., and CE. barbara, F., &c. At Hammam Lif , an enormous red
and black Mylabris was seen about the vineyards (looking very con-
spicuous when on the wing in the hot sun), and on the dry bush-clad
slopes above these places we met with various interesting Clythrids,
Cryptocephali, Anthaxia, Acmxodera, and Coroehis, Probosca viridana,
Schmidt, &c. In places near the railway station Labidostomis taxi-
cornis, F., was to be seen in profusion on low plants.
(To be continued).
56 [March,
NOTES ON A COLLECTION OF ODONATA FROM VAN,
TUEKEY IN ASIA.
BY KENNETH J. MORTON, F.E.S.
Plate VIII.
By the courtesy of Professor J. J. Manissadjian, Merzifun, I
received a small collection of Odonata axid.Myrmeleonidae taken by him
at Van during June and July, 1912. Unfortunately I have no details
regarding- the nature of the precise localities in which the various species
were found, biit as I am not aware that any papers exist relating to the
Odonata of that particular region, the collection seems worthy of a
short notice. The Odonata alone are here dealt with.
The vilayet of Van lies in the extreme east of Turkey-in-Asia and
its eastern boundary is Persia, while on the north it is separated by a
narrow part of Erzerum from the Russian Transcaucasian province of
Erivan. The winter is long and severe. The city of Van which, as is
well known, is of great archaeological and historical interest, lies at an
altitude of about 5,200 feet, H miles from the east shore of Lake Van.
The water of this lake is too salt to drink, but there is good water
along the coast from springs and streams. A canal 19 miles long irri-
gates the gardens of an extensive suburb lying to the east of the city .
The European character of the Odonata is very striking, the only
species out of the ordinary rim being Sympetrum decoloratum and a
somewhat doubtful species of JEschna. It is very likely that
Professor Manissadjian gave more attention to other orders ; at the
same time the district is almost certainly poor in dragon-flies, comparing
in this respect unfavourably with the Transcaucasian provinces of
Russia, many of the interesting species reported by Bartenef from there
being absent in the present collection. The extreme variability found
in a long series of Agrion ornatum is of more than ordinary interest
and forms the principal object of the publication of these notes.
Agrionid^e — Lestin^.
Lestes dry as, Kirby. — Many examples of both sexes, mostly in
teneral condition (teneral $ $, 12. VII).
Agrionin.^:.
Ischnura pumilio, Charp. — A good series of both sexes ( § ? of
both forms, 18.VI).
Enallagma cyathigerum, Charp. — 3 <$ <$ all of which agree in
having the footstalk of the marking on second abdominal segment
1*14.] 57
interrupted, the anterior part of the marking being thus separated from
the transverse base. The marking is rather small and has its anterior
margin regularly rounded.
Agrion ornatum, Selys. Along series of both sexes. The variation
of the males as regards the markings on the second and third abdominal
segments will be best understood by a reference to the diagrams on
Plate VIII. Fig. 3 may be considered as approximating to the type
and of course intermediates exist. A small Swiss series received from
Dr. Ris is fairly constant in the typical character of the markings, and
as far as he is aware nothing approaching the extreme variability shown
by the Van examples exists in Switzerland. At Van the species is
drawing near to the extreme south-eastern limit of its known distribu-
tion (Mesopotamia) .
Agrion lunulatum, Charp. — A pair. The form of the middle lobe
of the posterior margin of the prothorax makes easy the determination
of this species.
Agrion puella, Linne. — One $ of quite typical aspect but of
rather small size (h. w. 18 mm).
iEsCHNICE CORDULEGASTERIN^E.
Cordulegaster insignia, Schneider.- — 2 c?c?,2 ? 9 (one $ dated
5. VII). These seem to belong to the same species as that found at
Amasia, although they are more strikingly marked with yellow, very
pale on the thorax and 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments. The general
scheme of colour of the abdomen is very well represented in a figure of
a ? given in a paper by Bartenef on Odonata from the Caucasus-
Signakh and Telav district (Arb. Lab. Zool. Kab. Univ. Warsaw, 1912),
although in the unnamed Caucasian insect the proportion of black is
greater than in the examples from Van. As in Cordulegaster annulatus,
all the palaearctic species of the genus have probably the same tendency
to run into fairly well defined local races. C. insignis has occurred at
Comana in Roumania.
JEsclvna serrata, Hagen. A single teneral ? not in very good
condition, and the name serrata is accordingly applied with a slight
hesitation. The specimen is of large size (h. w., exp. 50 mm.) and is
remarkable for the great development of the yellow lateral bands of the
thorax, the anterior band being prolonged caudad under the wing
base, and confluent with the rather large wedge-shaped marking on the
upper part of the middle field. This insect seems to come near JEsclina
osiliensis, recently fully described and figured by Mierzejewski (Bull.
58 [March,
de l'Acad. Sciences de Cracovie, March, 1913) from the Island of
Oesel (Livonia), which the author considers may he a European repre-
sentative species of 2E. serrata, Hagen. He gives a comparative table
of the differences between his species and 2E. serrata, but I am not
sure whether he lias had actual specimens of the latter before him or
relied on Martin's diagnosis (Coll. Zool. de Selys, iEsclmines, p. 37).
The Oesel species and that from Van seem to be different from
H. crenata, Hagen, of which I possess 2 $ £ and 1 $ from Siberia
(received from Bartenef as M. gigas), a pair of which have been
determined by Professor E. M. Walker, Toronto, who has examined
Hagen' s type of M. crenata. I have not seen M. osiliensis and
JE. serrata (the latter recorded from the Khirgis country and elsewhere
in Asia). It is well to say that the hamuli of 2E. crenata agree very
closely with the fig. of osiliensis, and the principal difference between
crenata and the other two seems to be in the form and size of the upper
and inferior appendages. The three, if distinct species, behng to a
group of closely allied forms.
LlBELLULIN^E.
Orthetrum brunneum, Fonscolombe. — 5 $ <$ , 1 ? , all mature, one
£ dated 18.VI ; also a few tenerals. The specimens call for no
special remark. The species ranges eastwards to Kashmir and Gobi.
Libellula depressa, Linne. — 3 $ <$ , 1 ? (a very mature $ , 18. VI).
If anything rather smaller than Western European examples (h. w.
34-35 mm.). The species has been recorded from as far east as
Astrabad.
Sympetrum striolatum, Charp. — 2 $ S > 2 ? ?. Call for no
special remarks.
Sympetrum flaveolum, Linne. — 1 £ , 4 $ J , all teneral. Under
the average in size, one female measuring only 25 mm., h. w. The
condition of the single $ hardly admits of a satisfactory statement on
the point, but the yellow basal marking of the wings seems to be more
restricted than usual.
Sympetrum decoloratum, Selys. — 3 $ $ , 2 $ $ . Although all in
rather teneral condition, there is no doubt about their appertaining to
this interesting form, which seems to take the place of S. vulgatum in
certain parts of the Mediterranean region. It ranges from Tripoli to
Quetta. Eis (Collections Zoologiques de Selys, Libellulinse, p. 631)
refers to this species at some length, and mentions two somewhat
immature examples of Sympetrum from Catalonia, which may probably
1914.]
59
belong to S. decoloratum. This peculiar pale, sand-coloured insect
would be an interesting addition to the fauna of Europe. 8. vulgatwm
is not known from the Iberian peninsula save as represented by these
two doubtful examples, and it is much to be desired that this problem
may be solved by some one of our entomologists who now so frequently
visit Spain.
13, Blackford Road, Edinburgh :
January, 1914.
A REMARKABLE CASE OF VENATIONAL TERATOLOGY
IN DIPTEBA.
BY F. W. EDWARDS, E.A., F.E.S.
(Published by permission of the Trustees of the British Museum).
The accompanying figures represent the normal venation (A) and
the left (B) and right (C) wings of an abnormal individual of Tachy-
clromia articulata, Mcq.* Flies with one or two accessory veinlets are,
of course, of common occurrence, but nothing approaching the speci-
men figured has, so far as I am aware, been put on record. It is
noteworthy that in both wings of the abnormal individual the anal
vein curves forwards and ends in the cubitus in a manner unknown in
Empidse, but curiously suggestive of Lonchopteridee.
The abnormal specimen occurred among a series taken by Lt.-Col.
Yerbury, at Porthcawl, Glamorgan, in June, 1906. The specimens
had been determined by the late Mr. G-. H. Verrall.
T. articulata, normal.
T. articulata, left wing
February, 1914.
T. articulata, right wing.
* T. articulata, Mcq., in the Verrall Collection is probably amnulvprn, Meig. — J. E. C.
fin [March,
Do House-flies hibernate ? — In my note to " The Times " (Sept. 10th, 1901),
suggested by extremely isolated cases of infectious illness in lonely country
cottages, I drew attention to the possible quite promiscuous spreading of
disease by insects. Yet, since then, no definite proof of this merely mechanical
conveyance of disease by insects, apart from their share in propagating infection,
through acting as hosts to other organisms, during certain phases of develop-
ment, has been forthcoming.
We never know from what source light may come, and it is well for every
medical entomologist to inspect the fauna and flora of his patient's rooms. He
will conclude that, if the case is so strong against the house-fly, there is hardly
an insect Order that does not contribute a species to be, more or less, indicted with
it : Mallophaga (Docophorus, if birds are kept), Copeognatha (Troctes), Orthoptera
(Forficula, Blatta, Gnjllus), Anoplura (Phthirius and Pediculus), Thysanoptera
and Homoptera (Thrips and Aphis, if there are plants), Heteroptera (Cimex),
Coleoptera (Bermestes, Ptinus, Anobium, Xestobmm), Lepidoptera {Pyralis,
Aglossa, Acompsia, Endrosis, Tineola, Tinea), Biptera (Pollenia, Calliphora,
Culex), Aphaniptera (Pulex). Many of these insects have considerable powers
of locomotion, are hard to kill and have haunts of a kind to evade many means
of disinfection, while their habits are not, always, innocuous. Nor must we
forget other classes, e.g., Arachnida.
Out-of-doors, such Biptera as Simulium, Ceratopogon, Anopheles, the Taban-
idse and Hippoboscidse are under suspicion, and it seems surprising that such
diseases as Anthrax are not spread even more disastrously than is the case.
But, if circumstantial evidence is strong against them and the house-fly, with
certain obvious exceptions there is little direct evidence. Bacteriological cul-
tivations of, e.g., tuberculosis bacilli from the feet, or proboscis, of any fly,
caught at random, has, as far as I know, not been effected. There is no obviously
increased incidence of possibly fly-borne disease at the season when the insects
are prevalent. An indiscriminate crusade is to be deprecated, or many benefi-
cent parasitic Tachinidse might come to grief.
As regards the hibernation of the house-fly my evidence is negative. If
its size is small its numbers are large. Considering how freely hibernating
specimens of Vespa, Vanessa urticse, and Scoliopteryx libatrix are found in
houses, it is strange that, if this fly habitually hibernates, it should not be
more freely met with in this state. A few examples need not prove the rule.
I had my attention drawn to a hibernating colony of Eristalis tenax, in an
attic, some time ago. Of course the house-fly's hibernation may occur in
vegetable refuse, &c, in the open. Anyhow, the fresh air and sunlight of its
partly outdoor life must largely disinfect this member of Nature's great Sani-
tary Board ! I have never corroborated "Walker's assertion (Ins. Brit. Dipt.,
vol. II, p. 110) concerning the allied Pollenia rudis, F.
1914] qi
These questions, as well as the suggestive parallelism of the growth,
caused in the cambium layer of a plant, by the mechanical, or chemical, irri-
tation of a gall-maker, hymenopterous, dipterous, or other, to certain new
growths in the Animal Kingdom, unite Entomology with Medicine in a deep
interest.— F. H. Haines, Brookside, Winfrith, Dorchester, Dorset : Feb. 1th, 1914.
A few Coleoptera, Sfc, from Bengal. — One of my sons, who has frequently
caught small Coleoptera, &c, on the wing in Surrey, has just sent me a sample
of what can be obtained in this way at Sarda, Bengal, in December. The
locality is on the Ganges, 150 miles from Calcutta, and about half the insects
taken, upwards of 100 species in all, were captured flying towards sunset. The
genera with few exceptions are familiar European types, and it is interesting to
note how many are common to such widely separated regions. The number of
species in each genus is as follows : — Dyschirius (4), Tachys (9 or 10), Metabletus
(1), Harpalus ? (1), Acupalpus (2), Chlsenius (1), Amblystomus? (2), Casnonia (1),
Philhydrus (1), Berosus (1), Limnebius (1), Cercyon (2), Sphseridium (1),
Heterocerus (3), Georyssus (2), Limnichus (2 or 3), Aleochara (2), Atheta (1),
Philonthus (3), Actobius (1), Cryptobium (1), Psederus (3), Sunius (1), Medon (2
or 3), Lithocharis (1), Stenus (l),Bledius (3), Planeustomus (2), Trogophloeus (2),
Oxytelus (4), Pselaphus (1), Sacium (1), Hydnobius (1), Olibrus (4), Carpophilus
(1), Ephistemus (1), Cryptophilus (1), Psammoecus (1), Cathartus or Silvanus (2),
Melanophthalma (2), Monotonia (1), Onthophagus (2), Aphodius (8), Rhyssemus (2),
Luciola (1), Lamprorhiza ? (1) Rhizopertha (1), Gonocepjhalum {l),Cnemeplatia (1),
Ennebwus (1), Anthicus (3), Notoxus (1), Macratria (1), Xylophilus (1), Myllo-
cerus (1), Cleonus (1), Nanophyes (1), Bagous (2), Apion (1), Xi/Zeborus (1),
Pachnephorus ? (2), Diapromorpha (1), Oides (1), Aulacophora (l),Monolepta (2),
Luperus? (2) , Languria (1) , Coccinella (1), Exochomus ? (1), &c. The Hemiptera
include, amongst others, Microvelia (1), and Geocoris (1). Four species of
Coleoptera — Lithocharis ochracea, Grav., Aphodius lividus, F., Rhizopertha
pusilla, F., and Anthicus fioralis, F. — are cosmopolitan. Aulacophora abdominalis,
Oides Jiava. Diapromorpha melanopus, Luciola vespertina, and Myllocerusblandus,
Favist, are known Indian insects. The Tenebrionid genus Ennebwus, Wat., has
a remarkable distribution— Tasmania, Mexico, Panama, Colombia, the Sarda
insect being closely related to E. miiformis, Ch., from Panama. Of the Staphy-
linid genus Planeustomus, one Indian species only is known, and that from
Burma. The Cnemeplatia is probably C. indica, Fairm. — G. C. Champion,
Horsell, Woking : February, 1914.
A note on the pairing of Atemeles paradoxus. — On May 5th, 1913, I placed
two freshly caught specimens of the myrmecophilous beetle Atemeles paradoxus,
Grav., into a small plaster cell, in which had been put some days previously
a queen and a few workers of the host ant Formica fusca var. fusco-rufibarbis,
For. My object was to observe, and if possible to photograph the beetle in the
act of stroking and fondling the qvieen with its antenna?. In the spring of 1912
an Atemeles kept under similar conditions repeatedly behaved in the manner
62 [March,
indicated, but in the present experiment I did not succeed in my quest. It
happened, however, that the pair of Atemeles now under consideration proved to
be male and female, and in a very short time they were in copula. Mr. Donis-
thorpe's description of this function in Lomechusa (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1908,
p. 416) very well applies to the method of Atemeles. Similarly to Lomechusa
the male does not grasp the female with his tarsi, but the latter without restraint
remains practically stationary. Then the male, taking up a position almost in
line behind her, his head by the side of her upturned anal segments, curls his
body high up and forwards tintil the apices of their abdomens meet and coition
is effected. Occasionally the female would direct her antenna? back over her
body and sti'oke the up-curved abdomen of the male with an undulatory move-
ment similar to that observed in the case of the queen ant referred to above.
It seems worthy of note that the procedure appears to be quite by mutual con-
sent, and that, except there be a synchronous desire for union between the sexes,
consummation is not possible. I noted the pair in copula on the following
further occasions, viz. : — May 6th, 9 a.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., about 15 minutes each ;
8.15 p.m., one minute; 10 p.m., two minutes. May 7th, 15 minutes and perhaps
much longer as I had to leave them. May 8th, 9th, 10th, I did not observe them
in cop. at all. May 11th, about 45 minutes. Soon after this, leaving them by
accident exposed to too strong sunshine, the pair were killed. Business demands
on my time allowed but a cursory attention to these insects, so that the record
is most probably a very imperfect one. Nevertheless it appears clearly manifest
that " mate-hunger " is keen in the species, and that there is no partiality
towards either sex in its development. Lest by any chance I may not have
made myself perfectly clear, I would add that I do not in any way suggest that
the females of other species of beetles are without sexual desire, or that they
need force to induce it.— James H. Keys, 7, Whimple Street, Plymouth: January
14th, 1914.
A note on deformed antennse in certain beetles. — In August, 1911, a visit was
made to that naturalists' paradise, Spurn Point, and among many other species,
Sermyla halensis was taken, but of 24 specimens, six exhibited a curious mal-
formation of the antennae, in each case only on one side. A number of joints,
varying from two to four, while retaining their usual size, had become fused,
keeping, however, their usual shape on one side, usually the internal side, but
being flattened on the other. Consequently when the antennae moved, these
fused joints worked as one, while the remainder remained flexible as usual. A
second visit was made in September of the following year to attempt to find
more examples of the same malformation, but, though the species was common,
no specimens were found. In September, 1913, owing to the drought, very few
beetles were to be seen, but one example turned up out of six.
During these two years I had specially looked for further cases amongst other
beetles, and examples were found in Miscodera arctica and Creophilus maxillosus,
one in each case. The former occurs not uncommonly at the foot of a huge
slag-heap at Grangetown on the Tees Estuary, in company with another moun-
tain species, Pterostichus vitreus (there is an interesting problem in distribution
here.) The malformed Creophilus was taken in rotten fish sweepings from the
19H-] 63
trawlers in Hull, which had been thrown on a piece of waste ground. In each
case the antenna? were shaped like those of the Sermyla. Despite careful search
no other examples have so far been met with in other species taken by me. It
doubtless occurs, but it is interesting to note that all the beetles exhibiting it
so far have been forms which have had a habitat either saline or brackish (the
Miscodera occurs within two hundred yards of the salt water.) Whether this
is in any way responsible, my data are as yet insufficient to show. —
Geo. B. Walsh, 166, Bede Burn Road, J arrow-on- Tyne : February, 1914.
Some interesting captures of Coleoptera during 1913. -The following captures
are perhaps worthy of note : — Acrulia injiata occurred under bark on several
occasions in Chopwell Woods, Co. Durham, and Triplax senea was abundant in
Ravensworth Woods under bark of holly and dead poplar, and in fungus on holly
at Cotherston in Teesdale. Cotherston also yielded Antherophagus pallens (1) and
Dascillus cervinus (common), while on the slopes of Mickle Fell there occurred
one specimen of Hydroporus ferrugineus and many Calathus melanocephalus, var.
nubigena. All the Teesdale captures were made in June. In July a visit to
Middlesbrough yielded ten specimens of Blcdius gulielmi, Sharp (defensus, Fauv.),
in the locality whex-e it was first taken by my friend, Mr. W. E. Sharp. In
August, a visit to the Tees-side slag-heaps — a well-known collecting ground to
Middlesbrough naturalists — gave enormous numbers of Haliplus striatus* in a
brackish pool where it occurred in company with Agabus conspersus and
Ochthebius marinus (Philydrus maritimus used to occur here also, but a lengthy
search failed to reveal it). Night-searching at the foot of the sandhills at
Saltburn yielded a fair number of Nebria livida and one Silpha atrata, var.
brunneaf ; probably the local record for Silpha subrotundata should be referred
to this variety, and not to the " Celtic " species. In September a very interest-
ing week-end was spent with my friend Dr. Fordham at Bubwith in search of
Dytiscus circumcinctus. The dry weather had caused most of the pools in the
neighbourhood and on Skip with Common to dry up, and those that remained
contained, as it were, a concentrated essence of water beetles. Agabus bipustu-
latus and Colymbetesfuscus were present in myriads, and were a perfect nuisance ;
a dwarf form of the latter was taken, however, which was only 13 mm.
long. Amongst swarms of Hydropori, the most interesting species were
H. umbrosus, H. tristis, and H. nigrita. In addition a dozen specimens of Phil-
ydrus minutus occurred, this being generally a very rare Yorkshire insect. The
desired Dytiscus, too, turned up in some numbers, about twenty specimens fall-
ing to the pair of us, while it was several times present in the net with the two
common species, D. marginalis and D. punctulatus. Sweeping on Skipwith
Common yielded Coccinella hieroglyphica in abundance, both type form and the
black variety, together with one specimen of Lina populi. On carrion there
occurred Necrobia violaceaf and rufipes* and Dermestes murinus, the two Necrobise
again occurring later on a dead porpoise at Spurn Point and on rotten fish
sweepings on the Fish Dock in Hull. A visit to Spurn on September 6th
proved almost fruitless. The dry season had killed off most of the vegetation on
* New County records. t New Hiding records.
64 [March,
the spit, and high tides had covered with sand what was left of the saltwort
that the drought had spared. However, a careful search on this and especially
under dry drift yielded a few Helops pallidus, a species which my friend,
Mr. T. Stainforth of Hull and I had turned up in great numbers the previous
year. There was no need to dig for it as Fowler advises ; nearly all the speci-
mens were obtained by giving a blow to the saltwort, when the beetles fell out
and either lay still or languidly crawled away. The season closed for me with
a visit for the week-end in early November to my friend, Mr J. Gardner, at
Hart. Here Hydnobii and Anisotom.se were the objective, but unfavourable
weather spoiled collecting, the only interesting species that occurred being
A. rugosa. — Geo. B. Walsh : Febritary. 1914.
* Sirex juvencus, L., and Monochamus sartor, L., in Yorkshire. — At the Annual
Meeting of the South-West Yorkshire Entomological Society, held at the house
of the Secretary, Mr. J. Hooper, Middlestown, near Wakefield, on January 17th,
that gentleman exhibited two female examples of the true Sirex juvencus, L.,
which had been brought to him from the local colliery. They had been in his
possession for some years. The right of this species to a place on the visitors'
list now no longer rests on the single example, also a Yorkshire one, referred to
ante, vol. xliv, p. 101. At the same time and place the same gentleman also
exhibited a fine female Monochamus sartor, L., which had been brought to him
alive by a neighbour last August. It was dug from an old stmnp in the garden
and thus appears to have bred there. Mr. Hooper very generously gave me the
specimen. The only other Yorkshire example of which I have any knowledge
was a fine male which was in the collection of Mr. A. Paterson of Doncaster
and had been taken by him from timber at the Plant works. This specimen,
which was undoubtedly an importation, is now lost. — E. G. Bayford, 2,
Rockingham Street, Barnsley : February 9th, 1914.
Notes on Lepidoptera in Surrey in 1913. — Owing to our being unable to
spend much time in our usual collecting grounds, we have but little of interest
to record as the result of last year's work ; however, the following captures, etc.,
may be worth mentioning. A search among fallen aborted spruce cones in a
locality not far from Tilf ord resulted in the discovery of two larvae of Cateremna
terebrella among a considerable number of empty pupa skins ; on May 29th we
were fortunate enough to breed a ? of this species, and a $ about a month
later. Mr. Thurnall has already recorded C. terebrella from the county (Ent.
Mo. Mag., vol. xlii, p. 180) and suggested that we should look for further speci-
mens. At Woking, Laspeyresia cosmophorana was not scarce in May, flying
round young pines at dusk, together with a very few examples of Pammene
ochsenheimeriana. Eucosma micana was also taken at Woking on June 21st,
with Crambus dumetellus. At Frimley, at the beginning of August, Eucosma
ericetana and E. antiquana flying amongst Stachys palustris were taken. Finally,
we have bred a fair number of Alucita lienigianus from larvae found on Artemisia
vulgaris at Woking. — H. G. and E. J. Champion, Oxford : February 3rd, 1914.
1914] 65
On the breeding of the variety nigrosparsata of Abraxas grossulariata. — My
experience in breeding var. nigrosparsata of Abraxas grossulariata last summer
was bo remarkable, that it is advisable to place it on record to compare with
others and f uture experiments of the same character.
It will be remembered that in 1912, I bred from -wild larvae from a garden
here some very extreme forms of v. nigrosparsata (see Ent. Mo. Mag, September,
1912, pp. 214 and 215), including two of var. nigra, which is in reality the most
extreme form of nigrosparsata. Both of the var. nigra were males, and one of
them I paired with a very fine 9 nigrosparsata, the larva? resulting from which
I labelled as "Brood I." Next I paired a very fine green-black £ nigrosparsata
with an almost equally fine ? , the larvae from which were labelled " Brood II."
Lastly I got a pairing from two very fine specimens of the form, but which were
not so good as the others, and the larva- from this lot I called " Brood MI."
Unfortunately the larvae from all three broods mostly died off in the following
spring, and out of them I bred only about sixty moths, in pretty equal numbers
from each brood. The moths from broods I and II were all ordinary typical
specimens, whilst those from brood III, from which I had certainly expected
least, were all nigrosparsata varying from white groiuid with but little black
freckling, to an exceedingly dark example, which was markedly finer than
either of its parents. One typical specimen did indeed emerge in the cage of
this brood, but it obviously belonged to one of the other broods, the larva
having doubtless got in accidentally when food changing. In almost every
brood of this species, there is some characteristic in the moths, slight though it
may often be, by which one may separate them at once. Pairings were again
obtained from the moths from all the three broods, and it will be interesting to
ascertain whether there will be any return in broods I and II to the nigra or
nigrosparsata forms ; but as I bred five second brood moths from them in the
autunin, again all most ordinary specimens, I have no great faith that anything
better will be produced from the hibernating larva? during the coming summer.
It seems clear that the form does not work out at all on Mendelian lines, which
is curious when we know that the vars. varleyata and lacticolor of the same
species, do so work out. — Geo. T. Porritt, Elm Lea, Dalton, Huddersfield :
February 3rd, 1914.
Notes on the breeding of two species of Diptera. — So little is known of the
habits of many of our commonest Diptera that I venture to place on record the
breeding of the undermentioned two species.
Anthomyia procellaris, Bond.— In either May or June, 1912, I noticed
that the young pears on a tree in my orchard were much infected by Dipterous
larva?. I therefore gathered two or three of the affected pears, in order to
ascertain, if possible, what insect caused the damage, and placed them in a
breeding jar. The pears eventually became mouldy, and most of the larva?
perished, but I succeeded in breeding, at about the beginning of July, two or
three specimens of the above Anthomyid.
Anth racophagafrontosa, Meig.— Early in May, 1912,1 observed in a marshy
spot near my house, that the growth of a small species of Carex, which I was
66 [March,
unable to identify with certainty, had been affected by some insect. I accord-
ingly investigated matters, and found that the damage had evidently been
caused by larvae of some kind, of which I found the pupae encased between the
leaves of the plants. I took some half-dozen of these pupae, and from them
bred specimens of this Chloropid. — C. G. Nurse (Lt.-Colonel), Tim worth Hall,
Bury St. Edmunds : February 4>th, 1914.
Notes on two uncommon species of British Diptera. Psilosoma lefebvrii,
Zetterstedt. — While collecting at Tuddenham, Suffolk, on August 30th, 1911, I
took several specimens of this species, and about the same time I obtained two
or three more at Ampton, Suffolk. These were determined for me by Mr. Collin,
who informed me that the insect was hardly known from this country, except
from Scotland, and he suggested that I should keep a look out for it the follow-
ing year. Accordingly on August 28th, 1912, I visited the Ampton locality
where I had taken the specimens, and which is only about a" mile from my house.
Here I was pleased to find the insects in some numbers. They were sitting
about on the leaves of various trees and bushes on the borders of a lake, though
I could not observe that they showed any preference for any particular tree, as
I swept them from lime, birch, beech, and sallow. Between August 25th and
September 3rd, 1912, I visited the locality two or three times, and obtained three
or four dozen of both sexes.
Rhacochlsena toxoneura, Loew.— On May 12th, 1912, 1 obtained at Ampton,
Suffolk, a single specimen of a Trypetid, which I determined with a good deal
of doubt as this species. However, Mr. Collin was able to confirm the determi-
nation, and as he informed me that the species was considered very rare in
Britain, I made a note of the date and locality in the hope of obtaining more
specimens. About the middle of May, 1913, I tried for two or three days the
ground where I believed I had taken the first example, but without result, and
I began to think that I was unlikely to come across the species again. On May
18th there was such a strong wind that I hesitated whether I should go out
with a net, but finally decided to try some low ground between Timworth and
Ampton parishes, about a quarter of a mile from my own house. The locality
in question is fairly sheltered, and has been planted with young willows of the
variety which is grown for the manufacture of cricket bats. Many of these
trees had attained the height of 25 or 30 feet, and a girth of some two feet.
Here I came across Rhacochlsena in considerable numbers. I found them sitting,
flicking their wings, on the sheltered sides of the willow trunks, from about two
feet to seven or more feet from the ground. I secured a long series, in fact I
might have captured dozens. On subsequent days, up to June 9th, I found the
insect on the tree trunks in the same locality, but never in such numbers as on
the first extremely windy day. It seems to me quite possible that it may usually
frequent the higher branches of willows, and only in very windy weather seek
shelter below. This might account for its rarity in collections. Nothing is
known of its life history, but it may breed in willow leaves or twigs, and I
merely throw out the suggestion for what it is worth. — C. Gr. Nurse (Lt.-Col.) :
February 4*th, 1914.
1914.] 67
ttuarg.
Ernest Olivier, a grandson of the celebrated entomologist, Antoine Guillaume
Olivier, died at Moulins, France, on January 26th, aged 70 years. He was
pi-esent at the Congresses at Brussels and Oxford, and read a paper at the
latter entitled " Necessite de FEmploi du Latin pour les Descriptions." For
many years he had paid especial attention to the Lampyriclse, and was thus
well known to Coleopterists all over the world. He was elected a Member of
the Societe Entomologique de France and of the Entomological Society of
London in the same year, 1873. For many years he had edited the "Kevue
Scientifique du Bourbonnais."
%tV'UWB.
"The North American Dragon-flies of the Genus Mshna." By
E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B., Lecturer in Zoology in the University of Toronto.
University of Toronto Studies, Biological series, No. 11, 1912 : pp. viii, 213,
with 28 plates.
Whether one happens to open this fine memoir at the table of contents at
the beginning or at the beautiful series of plates at the end, one is at once
struck by the evidence of a strong and unusually exhaustive handling of the
subject. It is interesting to note the origin of the work. The view that some
of the nominal species of North American Mshna (as the author prefers to call
it) represented a complex, seems to have been reached independently by
Williamson and Walker from observations in the field. Not very long ago the
names of M. clepsydra, verticalis, and constricta made up the tale of the genus
in a good many State lists, but all that has been changed,and the preliminary
key published by Dr. Walker in the Canadian Entomologist, XL, pp. 377 — 91,
450-1, 1908 (itself a first rate working document) foreshadowed an enormous
increase in the knowledge of the genus, no fewer than eight new species being
there described. In the monograph under review, three of these species are
reduced to the rank of sub-species, the total number of species and sub-species
being twenty, excluding those separated by Williamson under the generic name
of Coryphseschna.
As has been indicated, the subject is dealt with from very many points of
view. No matter which fauna or which aspect (excepting internal matters)
the student of Mschninse may be dealing with, a reference to Dr. Walker's
work will be indispensable. It is, therefore, unnecessary to go into details.
One may notice, however, the reduction of the nomenclature of the colour
pattern to definite shape, and also the very important figures of the accessory
genitalia of the $ not before used for purposes of classification in the genus.
Variation is dealt with under different aspects — climatic, geographical, and
colour — the existence of two types of colour in the females being discussed, one
in which the pale markings are mostly blue as in the males (homceochromatic),
and the other in which these makings are yellow or yellowish-green (hetero-
chromatic). These two conditions may be observed in British M. juncea. The
F 2
68 [March,
details of life history are also very full, no less than the nymphs of twelve
species being described.
It is worthy of remark that although the number of North American
species is rather greater than that of the Palsearctic sj>eeies, the latter present
a larger number of groups, and are more diversified in structure, and colour
pattern. All the North American groups are represented in the palsearctic
region, excepting those of califomica and multicolor, with the addition of
several others, grandis (with viridis) , mixta (with affinis), isosceles (probably with
others), and melanictera (a Japanese species). Incidentally we congratulate
ourselves that at least in this one genus, we on this side of the Atlantic can
hold our own in a comparison with the very beautiful North American Odonate
fauna.
Two of our six British species (not one as stated in Ent., 1913, p. 272)
occur in North America, M. juncea in almost identical form, although decidedly
smaller in northern specimens, and M. ccerulea, for which the race name septen-
trionalis is retained apparently more as a matter of convenience than on account
of any material difference. — K. J. M.
" Insect Life : its Why and Wherefore." By the Rev. Hubert G.
Stanley, F.E.S. London : Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd., 1, Amen Corner,
E.C. 1913.
In this work, which is intended " to be placed in the hands of farmers,
gardeners, and others interested/' some fifteen forms of insect life (with " the
slug " thrown in) are treated of in a pleasantly written but highly generalized
and somewhat sketchy manner, and illustrated with rather crude text figures.
All these forms come more or less into contact with man as personal or agricul-
tural pests, or in one or two cases as benefactors ; and to those who wish to
acquire a rudimentary knowledge of the subject, this well-printed little book
may be of some service.
"Common British Moths. By A. M. Stewart ("Peeps at Nature"
Series). With 16 plates, 8 coloured. London : Adam and Charles Black. 1913.
In our last year's volume (p. 66) we had the pleasure of noticing Mr. A. M.
Stewart's excellent little work on "British Butterflies" in the "Peeps at
Nature " Series, issued by Messrs. A. and C. Black, and the companion volume on
our " Common Moths " by the same author fully maintains the high standard
of excellence of its predecessor. The eight coloured plates (one on the cover)
represent, on an uniform scale of three-quarters real size, some 200 of the
better-known species of moths indigenous to our Islands, and to these plates
no higher praise can be given than to state that in every respect they are fully
equal to those of the author's earlier work. It is true that the limitations of
the " three-colour " process become rather evident in the case of the smaller
Geometers and the few Tortrices and Tinese shewn, but even these reduced
figures retain a great deal of the character of the actual moths from which
1914.] 69
they were directly photographed. The seven half-tone plates of larvae, &c.
are also very good, but are obviously taken from preserved specimens. Con-
cisely written but very useful hints on larva-finding- and rearing, and field
work generally, are followed by brief notes on every species figured, and the
entire work may be described as a marvel of cheapness in the true sense.
^octettes.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, December 12^,1913. — Mr. A. E. Tonge, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. Tatchell, of Bournemouth, was elected a Member.
Mr. W. J. Kaye read a paper, " The Ithomiinse," and illustrated it with a
fine selection of examples of the different groups of the subfamily. Mr. Hall
reported a case of the occurrence of the " furniture mite," and asked how the
pest could be effectively dealt with. Mr. Step, a box of Diptera, chiefly Syrphidse,
taken at flowers of Michaelmas daisy in October and December. Mr. R. Adkin,
a series of Nemeophila plantaginis bred from ova laid by a Grasmere female in
July, 1912. One larva fed up and pupated in September, and the imago came
out on October 27th. The rest hibernated several together in the debris of the
cage and emerged in due course the following June. He also showed four
Mellinia ocellaris presented to the Society by Mr. H. Worsley-Wood.
Mr. Curwen, a series of Erebia ceto near the form ab. obscura from the Simplon
Pass. Mr. Carr, a collection of Lepidoptera from Staffordshire and North
Wales, including very strongly marked forms of Acidalia marginepunctata and
some nice banded examples of Melanippe tristata. Mr. Adkin read a Report
of the Annual Conference of Delegates of Societies affiliated to the British
Association.
Thursday, January 8th, 1914. — Mr. W. J. Kaye, F.E.S., Vice-President, in
the Chair.
Messrs. D. A. Gotch, of Northampton, A. Leeds, of Knebsworth, W. H. Jackson,
of Wimbledon, and T. H. Archer, of Southfields, were elected Members.
Mr. Hugh Main gave an interesting account of his holiday in Switzerland
in 1913, entitled " The Brunig Road," and illustrated his address with a large
number of lantern slides, made mainly from his own photographs. Mr. Step, a
photograph by Mr. West (Ashstead) of the " furniture mite " Glyciphagus cursor.
Annual Meeting — Thursday, January 22nd, 1914. Mr. A. E. Tonge, F.E.S.,
President, in the Chair.
The Balance Sheet and Report of the Council were received and adopted,
and the Officers and Council for the coming year were declared elected (see
antea, p. 24).
70 [March,
The President read his annual Address, and after giving an account of the
present status of the Society, dealt at considerable length with some phases of
his special study of the ova of Lepidoptera, particularly wild-laid ova.
The usual votes of thanks were accorded, and the new President, Mr. B. H.
Smith, took the Chair.
Mr. Newman exhibited a small specimen of Leucania pallens taken at sugar
at Newark, with three well developed antennae, of which one was much thicker
than visual, and towards the tip was bifid. - Hi. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, December 3rd, 1913. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.Z.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. Walter Ormiston, of Kalupahani, Haldumille, Ceylon, was elected a
Fellow of the Society.
Dr. Gr. B. Longstaff presented to the Society, on behalf of a number of
subscribers, a copy of Hiibner's " Exotische Schmetterlinge," original edition.
Mr. G. T. Porritt, exhibited two curious specimens of Abraxas grossulariata.
In the first the fore-wings were asymmetrical in marking, and the left lower
wing was wanting. In the other the right lower wing was also wanting, but in
its case there was a rudiment of it visible. Miss Diana R. "Wilson (who was
present as a visitor) butterflies caught in Brazil this year, during the last week
of January and the first week of February. Prof. Poulton, eight examples of
Episcaphula interrupta, Lac, found in one clay cell, and eleven examples found
in another, by Mr. C. O. Farquharson, B.Sc, at Moor Plantation, near Ibadan,
S. Nigeria. He also read notes received from Mr. Lamborn on the Driver Ants
(Dorylus) of Southern Nigeria, and exhibited the material referred to. Dr. K.
Jordan, a series of species of the two groups of Papilios called by Haase Cosmo-
desmus and Pharmacophagus respectively. Mr. Champion, a specimen of Thorictus
pauciseta, Wasm., attached to the scape of the left antenna of a worker of an
ant, Myrmecocystus viaticus, F. Mr, W. C. Crawley (1) three dealated $ 9 of
L. niger, L., taken in Isle of Wight, July, 1911. These, after rearing $ $ s,
fought until only one survived ; (2) a 9 of Aphasnogaster subterranea, Latr.,
taken August, 1912, at Yvorne, with Prof. Forel, after marriage-flight, brought
up two $ $ by September, 1913; (3) six 9 9 of L. flavus, Fabr., taken after
marriage-flight at Seaton, July 14th, 1912. They built a cell together and
brought up $ $ by June 23rd, 1913. Mr. O. E. Janson, specimens of Laglaisia
caloptera, Bigot, one of the curious forms of Diptera with stalked eyes, from
Dutch New Guinea. Capt. E. B. Purefoy, two more specimens of Gonepteryx
cleopatra, with gynandromorphous colouring. Mr. E. B. Ashby, a number of
Nearctic butterflies. Mr. W. J. Kaye, a very large series of specimens of Heli-
conius anderida ranging into a number of forms which tended to become fairly
definite subspecies in different geographical regions. Dr. H. Eltringham gave
a preliminary account of the scent-apparatus in Amauris egialea, comparing
same with that of A. niavius, illustrated by drawings, and microphotographs of
sections of the brush. The following paper was read: " New Species of South
lsu.j 71
American Butterflies," by W. F. H. Rosenberg, F.E.S., and G. Talbot, F.E.S.
Mr. Talbot made the following exhibits in connection with this paper: —
(1) Sixteen new species of S. American butterflies ; (2) a black and brown
mimetic combination from Yahuarmayo, S.E. Peru, October and November,
nine species.
Annual Meeting. — Wednesday, January 21st, 1914. The President in the
Chair.
No • other names having been received in addition to those proposed by the
Council as Officers and Council for the ensuing year, the latter were declared
by the President to be elected.
Mr. R. W. Lloyd, one of the Auditors, read the Auditors' Report, which was
adopted on the motion of Mr. H. E. Page, seconded by Mr. J. Piatt Barrett.
The Rev. G. Wheeler, one of the Secretaries, then read the Report of the
Council, which was adopted on the motion of Mr. R. S. Standen, seconded by
Mr. R. W. Lloyd.
The President then delivered an address, after which Prof. Poulton moved
a vote of thanks to him, coupled with the request that he would allow the
address to be printed as a part of the Society's proceedings ; this was seconded
by Mr. W. J. Lucas and carried by acclamation.
The President returned thanks, and Mr. O. E. Janson then proposed a vote
of thanks to the other Officers for their services during the past year; this
was seconded by Mr. T. F. P. Hoar and carried, the Treasurer and the two
Secretaries returning1 thanks in a few words.
SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH FORMS OF THE ANDRENA MINUTULA
GROUP.
BY R. C. L. PERKINS, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S.
The following tables distinguish, as satisfactorily as I am able,
the various species and forms of these difficult and variable bees,
which have been much neglected by systematic workers in this
country : —
1 (4) 1st and 2nd abdominal segments shining between the punctures,
not rendered dull from distinct fine surface sculpture between them ;
the 2nd and 3rd segments very densely and distinctly punctured,
so that the spaces between the punctui-es are much reduced, and in
some examples of nana, Kirby, hardly any surface remains.
2 (3) Apical impressions of the 2nd and 3rd segments with a minute dense
granular-like sculpture under a strong lens, rendering their surface
dull, and with some conspicuous shallow punctures on this part ;
mesonotal puncturation closer and stronger ; abdomen beneath dull
72 [March 1914.
or nearly so, with conspicuous snow-white apical fringes on the 2nd,
3rd, and 4th ventral segments. (Apical impressions of 2nd and 3rd
segments very deep) nana, Kirby ( = schenckella, Perez.) .
3 (2) Apical impressions of the 2nd and 3rd segments with at most very
fine rugulosity, sometimes hardly visible, so that, at least in some
aspects, the surface is shining or polished and the scattered punc-
tures on this part are extremely fine and minute, or may be
absent ; mesonotal punctures remote or irregular ; abdomen beneath
distinctly shining, with long fine hairs forming apical fringes, but
net fasciate with snow-white conspicuous ones ...alfkenella, sp. n.
(Stigma very pale).
4 (1) 1st and 2nd abdominal not both shining, but the first at least
(excepting its extreme apex sometimes) is dull with surface sculp-
ture ; puncturation of abdomen, when present, generally shallow
and feebly impressed.
5 (6) Apical impressions of the 2nd and 3rd segments very densely sculp-
tured, appearing densely minutely punctate or granulate, and
extremely dull ; the basal segment also with the same dense apical
sculpture ; this sculpture appears even more dense than that of the
general surface of the segments ; 4th abdominal segment with a
rather dense apical white hair-band, entire, or at least not much
interrupted in the middle. (Stigma very pale ; clypeus with white
hairs) spreta, Perez. ( = niveata, E. Saund.
nee Friese).
6 (5) Apical impressions of the 2nd and 3rd segments both much smoother
than the general surface, usually distinctly shining in some aspects,
never with sculpture like spreta, but at most finely rugulose ; 4th
segment with at most a very thin fringe of hairs often inconspicuous
and not always white.
7 (8) Face clothed entirely with pale hairs, the clypeus with long white ones ;
4th antennal joint never excessively short,* generally appearing
in a front view of the antenna? (or from beneath) about as long as
wide ; 4th abdominal segment with a regular row of white hairs,
springing from the base of the apical impression and extending back
about to the apex of this ; mesonotum with fine remote punctures,
the surface rugulose or granular-like between these. (Stigma pale
whether seen from the upper or under surface of the wing) . . .
saundersella, n.n.
= nana, E. Saund. nee Kirby.
8 (7) Face in some species clothed either nearly wholly or else at the sides
with black or sooty hairs; if the face is clothed with pale hairs,
either the 4th joint of the antenna is very sh rt, and transverse, or
the mesonotal punctures are not as above or the stigma not pale.
9 (14) Face not clothed to a considerable extent with black or sooty hairs,
but with brown, ochreous, or whitish ones.
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CONTENTS. pagjs
Help-notes towards the determination of British Tenthredinidse, &e. (32J (con-
tinued).—Rev. F. D. Morice, M.A., F.E.S 49
An excursion to Southern Tunisia, with notes on some of the Coleoptera, &c,
met with. — G. C. Champion, F.Z.S 53
Notes on a collection of Odonata from Van, Turkey in Asia (with Plate). —
Kenneth J. Morton, F.E.S 56
A remarkable case of venational teratology in Diptera (with figures). — F. W.
Edwards, B.A., F.E.S 59
Do House-flies hibernate ?— F. S. Haines, D.P.H., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P 60
A few Coleoptera, &c., from Bengal. — G. C. Champion, F.Z S 61
A note on the pairing of Atemeles paradoxus. — James H. Keys, F.E.S 61
A note ou deformed antennae in certain beetles. —Geo. B. Walsh 62
Some interesting captures of Coleoptera during 1913. — Id 63
Sirex juvencus, L., and Monochamus sartor, L., in Yorkshire. — E. G. Bat/ford,
F.E.S 64
Notes on Lepidoptera in Surrey in 1913. — H. G. and R. J. Champion 64
On the breeding of the variety nigrosparsata of Abraxas grossulariata. — G. T.
Porritt, F.L.S 65
.Notes on the breeding of two species of Diptera. — Lt.-Col. C. G. Nurse, F.E.S. 65
Notes on two uncommon species of British Diptera. — Id 66
Obitt/aby.— Ernest Olivier, F.E.S 67
Reviews. — "The North American Dragon-flies of the genus .<Eshna." By
E. M. Walker, B.A., M.B 67
" Insect Life : its why and wherefore." By the Rev. Hubert G.
Stanley, F.E.S 68
"Common British Moths." By A. M. Stewart 68
Societies. — South London Entomological Society 69
Entomological Society of London 70
Synopsis of the British forms of the Andrena minutula group. — R. C. L.
Perkins, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S 71
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April, 1914.] 73
10 (11) Scntellum at most with a few extremely feeble and fine punctures on
its dull surface, the mesonotum also dull and extremely feebly
sparsely punctured, or sometimes both are impunctate or nearly so,
(Stigma entirely dark, of a brown colour, not yellow)...
subopaca, Nyl.
11 (10) Scutellum sometimes to a greater or less extent shining or polished
though sometimes dull ; its punctures either distinct or numerous ;
the mesonotum either with irregular but distinct punctures, or with
close and even ones.
12 (13) Mesonotum dull and nearly evenly, but not deeply, punctured...
minutula, Kirby.
13 (12) Mesonotum often shining in the middle (or even sometimes nearly all
over) ; always smoother in the middle than in the preceding, the
punctures deeper, but often sparser, and notably irregular in size
and distribution minutuloides, sp. n.
14 (9) Face sometimes nearly wholly clothed with black hairs, or if to a
large extent with brown or pale ones, then the sides of the face
along the orbits are well clothed with black ones.
15 (16) Clypeus clothed with brown or yellowish hairs, and the face above
with many brownish ones on the scapes of the antennae and about
these, the sides of the face with black ones, and there are others of
this colour on the sides of the head behind the eyes ; mesonotum
mostly or entirely clothed with brown hairs in fresh examples
(paler in old ones) parvuloides, sp. n.
16 (15) Clypeus with longer black or sooty hairs, at least for the most part,
and many sooty hairs on and about the scape of the antennae ;
mesonotum generally clothed with long sooty or sooty -grey hairs.
17 (18) Stigma more or less dark or brown in the middle ... parvula, Kirby.
18 (17) Stigma very pale in the middle, yellow.
(Face almost entirely clothed with black or sooty hairs (some
being sooty-grey), mesonotum and scutellum with sooty-grey ones ;
thorax sculptured much as in parvula ; wings notably milky-white
in some aspects ; 2nd abdominal segment more punctured than in
any parvula examined by me ; the punctures shallow, numerous, the
apical margin unusually dull, very finely but densely sculptured...
moricella, sp. n.
? ?•
1 (2) Mesonotum densely and evenly, somewhat coarsely punctured, the
surface between the punctures shining; 2nd and 3rd abdominal
segments excessively densely and distinctly punctured, the slight
amount of surface left between the punctures shining, their apical
impressions distinct or strong, rugulose and bearing a number of
shallow, scattered, but conspicuous, punctures nana, Kirby
( = schenchella, Perez).
G
74 [April,
2 (1) Mesonotum never sculptured as above, either remotely or at least
irregularly and unevenly punctured, or if closely, the surface
between the punctures is dull ; 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments,
when punctured, with the punctures very feebly impressed, the
surface rarely at all shining between them, but generally rugulose ;
in many forms impunctate, the apical impressions without con-
spicuous scattered punctures on a rugulose surface.
3 (6) Apical impression of the 3rd segment very strong across the whole
width of the segment, that of the 2nd segment quite distinct and
often rather strong (2nd segment nearly always punctured, the
stigma pale) .
4 (5) Abdomen with a thin transverse fringe of white hairs springing from
the base of the apical impression of the 4th segment; this impression
on the 3rd segment polished, the sculpture very feeble or wanting in
the middle ; very feeble and sometimes wanting on the 2nd segment
also saunder sella, n.n. V
= nana, E. Saund.
5 (4) Abdomen with a dense transverse fascia of white hairs on the 4th
segment apically, a dense interrupted one also on the 3rd, and one
still more widely broken on the 2nd ; apical impressions on the 2nd
and 3rd segments with extremely dense sculpture, appearing as a very
dense puncturation. (Stigma always very pale) spreta, Perez.
( = niveata, E. Saund. nee Friese).
6 (3) Apical impression of the 3rd segment feeble, at least on the middle
part of the segment, that on the 1st generally not at all or barely
distinguished except by a change in the sculpture.
(2nd segment in many forms impunctate, stigma in some not
pale yellowish in the middle).
7 (10) 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments with evident, and more or less
numerous, punctures amidst the rugulosity of the surface.
8 (9) 4th abdominal segment with a transverse apical fringe of conspicuous
pure white hairs ; mesonotal puncturation stronger and closer ;
apical appressed hairs of the 5th dorsal segment largely whitish or
tinged with white, from some of the upper hairs being of this
colour, always very pale.
(Mesonotum closely or fairly closely and evenly punctured, the
punctures of moderate size or rather large ; scutellum in front with
deepish distinct, and plentiful punctures, the surface between them
shining or polished, at least in some aspects) ... alfkenella, sp. n.
9 (8) 4th abdominal segment with a fringe of less conspicuous yellowish
or pale golden hairs ; mesonotal puncturation fine, either remote,
or irregular ; apical appressed hairs of the 5th dorsal segment
brownish-golden or sometimes subfuscous in the middle.
* This joint is a good deal shorter in some examples than in others, but the long, more or
less depressed, snowwhite clypeal hairs are very distinctive.
1914.] 75
(Punctures of the scutellum generally shallow or sparse, its
surface sometimes sufficiently rugidose all over to prevent the front
part from appearing more than slightly shining in any aspect) . ...
moricella, sp. n.
10 (7) 2nd and 3rd abdominal segments without any evident puncturation
amidst the surface sculpture.
11 (12) Mesonotum excessively dull from the dense minute granular-appearing
surface-sculpture, the punctures extremely fine and remote on the
whole surface, even in proximity and inwardly to the smooth lateral
lines (which lie inwardly to the tegiilse), scutellum with the punc-
tures fine, often dull and rugulose all over, rarely a little shining in
front ; stigma always dark, the appressed hairs of the 5th segment
also dark, fuscous or brownish fuscous.
(Propodeum with the anterior area very rugose to the truncation,
scutellum appearing large owing to its little convexity)...
subopaca, Nyl.
12 (11) Mesonotum not thus sculptured, either closely punctured at least
near the lateral smooth lines, or else with very conspicuous or deep
punctures, or the scutellum more or less polished ; anal hairs often
pale, golden, or yellowish ; mesonotum sometimes more or less
smooth and shining.
13 (16) Mesonotum dull all over, with dense sculpture between the punctures,
which are dense or moderately close, and nearly even, never very
irregular, nor very remote, always close in the neighbourhood of the
smooth lateral lines.
14 (15) Puncturation of mesonotum generally much less distinct, in many
aspects the punctures appear indistinct in outline, or more or less
obliterated parvula, Kirby.
15 (14) Puncturation dense; very distinct over nearly the whole mesonotum
in most aspects minutula, Kirby.
16 (13) Mesonotum sometimes shining or even polished in part, the punctures
either very remote or else they are very distinct, and conspicuously
unevenly distributed over the surface ; scutellum often partly or
largely very shining or polished.
17 (18) Mesonotum generally duller, the punctures sparser and finer.
(Hairs of 5th and 6th segments pale, yellow or golden ; scutellum
generally appearing more than usually convex). ..parvuloides, sp. n. ;
18 (17) Mesonotum generally smoother, often partly or largely well polished,
the punctures always stronger and more numerous.
(Anal hairs pale, as in the preceding, yellow or golden) . . .
minutuloides, sp. n.
(To be continued.)
O 2
76 [April,
AN EXCURSION TO SOUTHERN TUNISIA, WITH NOTES ON
SOME OF THE COLEOPTERA, &c, MET WITH.
BY G. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S.
{Concluded from p. 55.)
Kaieouan. — On the plain outside the walls of the city, and
about the Opuntia hedges, Ocnera, Pimelia, Blaps, Akis, and the like
abounded in their usual objectionable pabulum ; and Calosoma ma-
derse, F., Scarites sp., and Acinopus sp., &c, occurred under stones.
Many small forms were obtained by sweeping low plants about the
cultivated ground ; and in the marshy places, where we noticed not a
few tortoises, several Cicindelse (G. lemnosticta, Fairm., C. littorea,
Forsk., &c.) were not rare, and a remarkable sluggish Stratiomyid
Dipteron, Nemotelus proboscideus, Loew, was in profusion. In a
sandy spot hereabouts, Dr. Santschi was kind enough to introduce
me to the peculiar Thor ictus (apparently pauciseta, Wasm.) which is
carried about on the scape of the antennae of the workers of the ex-
cessively active ant, Myrmecocystus viaticus. For two days on this
Kairouan plain we were greatly tormented by the attacks of a sand-
fly (Simtdium), collecting on the hill of Djebel Baten, &c, being almost
impossible on this account.
Sbeitla. — Here we spent nearly all our time about the ruins,
which proved to be very productive ground, though on the third day
the wind was so violent as to prevent the use of the sweeping net.
Amongst or beneath the stones, where scorpions were unpleasantly
numerous, the following beetles were observed : — Cymindis sp., com-
monly ; Adelphinus stituralis, Luc. (a winged Helopid) , in all its
varieties, in abundance, the discrepancy in size and colour between the
two sexes being remarkable ; one or two species of Adesmia in plenty ;
Microtelus lethierryi, Eeiche, Adelostmna sp., a Micipsa, Pimelia
semiopaca, Senac (?) (a common species at Sfax), an Erodius, a
Zophosis, a Pachychila, Cardiojjhorus scapularis, Bhytirrhinus sp.,
Hypera, Jtdodis, Timarcha, &c. A fine metallic green, coarsely punc-
tate Buprestid (Aurigena sp.) was not uncommon on a particular
plant, and on the flowers of Cruciferse, &c, were to be seen, in more or
less abundance, a large black Mijlabris, Omophlus coeruleus F., Hoplia
pnbicollis, Kiist., and many other species. Among the Hemiptera,
Putonia torrida, Stal, was to be found commonly by sweeping, and
Crocistethus waltli, Fieb., in all its stages under stones. Unfortunately
the banks of the stream and the adjacent low hills were not investi-
gated for want of time. From camel's dung by the roadside many
1914.] yy
Aphodii, Sec., were taken. Around the so-called Grand Hotel a
Tiiinircha was so abundant that it was sometimes difficult to walk
in and out without treading on one or more specimens.
Sfax. — This coast place furnished many beetles, such as a large,
convex Crypticus, in numbers, various Pimelia, Erodius, and Option us
a Cymmdis, commonly, Graphipterus, and others. Inland but little was
to be taken beyond various Mylabrids.
Gafsa. — The dry river beds (Oueds) and desert places in this
district were fairly productive in such insects as Graphipterus, Jtdodis,
Mylabris, Erodius, Pimelia (including P. cylindrica, Sol. (?) ), a
peculiar Pachybrachys, &c. Here, too we came across many interesting
Orthoptera (to which my Swiss companions paid especial attention),
some Hemiptera not seen elsewhere, such as Mecidea pallida, Stal, &c.
A slender pallid snake was frequently seen in these dry places travelling
with great rapidity across the road <>r from one spiny bush to another,
and in and about the irrigation channels in the palm-oasis, a soft-
shelled aquatic tortoise abounded. In the Oued a Cicindela occurred
commonly on the sand. At the indifferent hotel in the town, various
small beetles wei'e attracted to light, such as many pallid Aphodii,
Anemia sp., Hybosorus illigeri, Reiche, Bledius vitulus, Er., Oncophorus
pirazzolii, Epp. (a Staphylinid allied to Acrognathus), &c.
Tozeur and Nefta. — These desert places on the borders of the
great Djerid Chott, and only separated therefrom by the palm-oases,
proved to have a different fauna from that of the other places visited
during our trip, and recalled that of Biskra, a district investigated by
Mr. Morice and myself in 1911. The most interesting insects obtained
by us were captured hereabouts, Nefta being quite similar in character
to Tozeur, but the small forms found " at light " at Tozeur were
probably of greater importance than the rest. Commencing with
these latter, the following may be noted : Eremazus unistriatus, Muls.,
Glaresis becheri, Solsky (?), a pallid Cistelid (unknown to me), Anemia
spp. (in great numbers), Hybosorus illigeri, Bledius vitulus, Er., and
B. taurus, Germ., var. hsedus, Baudi, and var. skrimshiranus, Curt.,
and B. unicornis, Germ., Oncophorus pirazzolii, Epp., in abundance, a
Beduvius, various Capsids, a Nobis, and others, including such cosmo-
politan insects as Mezium sulcatum and Alphitobius piceus. On the
sandy places between the saline Chott and the oases a very large
hairy-footed Pimelia (probably P. retrospinosa, Luc.) was sometimes
to be seen in great numbers, especially in the early morning ; and
from 'stercore' hereabouts various Aphodii (including A. comtrictus,
78 [April,
Klug),an Oniticellus, a peculiar little Atheta (A.pellucida, Fauv.), &c,
were taken, the great Scarabsei, too, being much in evidence every-
where. From the succulent plants a fine Barid (Lissotarsus bedeli,
Fairm.), a minute compressed pallid Cassida, a very small Lixns, and
various other forms were beaten, and beneath such plants a large white
Cleonus often occurred. From the flowers and herbage generally were
swept Himatismus perrandierei, Mars., a handsome Baris (corythia,
Desbr.), Probosca viridana, Schmidt, various peculiar pallid Mylabrids,
Scymnus arcuatus, Rossi, and many others. The beautifully green,
well- watered oases themselves, where many fruit trees and vegetables
are cultivated beneath the date palms, were unproductive, though
Pheropsophus africanus abounded near the irrigation channels, and a
Formicomus and other Anthicids, Typhasa, and the like could be swept
up. Along the whole length of the 16 mile track between Tozeur and
Nefta, the fine black and white Anthias were constantly in sight, but
difficult to secure, as they run with extraordinary rapidity between the
stones or from one spiny plant to another. On this ground, too,
Grapliipterus were numerous, as well as various Adesmia, Pimelia, a
pruinose flattened Zophosis, an occasional Piestognathus asperipennis,
Fairm., and others. In one sandy spot near Tozeur a remarkable
fragile Capsid (allied to Pilophorus, but not yet identified) occurred in
some numbers about ant's nests. A fine Melyris, with red head and
thorax, was twice found by my friend Steck on an Arab's burnous
— once in the oasis and once in the train! — and these were the only
specimens met with. An excursion on horseback out on to the great
treacherous Chott, to places where the Arabs were washing out salt in
large quantities, to see if there were any peculiar Orthoptera, &c, there'
resulted in failure, as did a trip to the oasis one night with an acety-
lene lamp.
El Djem. — The few hours spent here produced nothing better
than the usual species of Pimelia, Mylabris, &c.
The very incomplete list of Coleoptera, &c, given above will afford
a general idea of what is to be met with in the districts visited, and
perhaps induce other entomologists to investigate the country. The
railway now open to the south makes travelling easy, and at each of
our stopping places there was a passable hotel, thanks to French
enterprise.
Horsell, Woking.
February, 1914.
ipi4.] 79
PHILHYDRUS HALOPHILUS, Bedel : AN ADDITION TO THE
BRITISH LIST OF COLEOPTERA.
BY E. A. NEWBERY.
Some time ago my friend Mr. Claude Morley sent me, among
other beetles for names, a Philhydrus which I was unable to identify
with any of the known British species. Thinking that, it might
possibly be P. fuscipennis, Thorns., a species not unlikely to occur
here, and which is queried as synonymous with P. ochroj t&rus, Marsh.,
in the 1906 European Catalogue, I sent some specimens to Capt.
Deville for corroboration. He tells me that it is undoubtedly P. halo-
pliilus, Bedel, which he regards as a good species, and not a variety of
tricolor, Fab. ( = maritimus, Thorns.) as given in the above-named
Catalogue. It is very possible that Marsham's ockropt&rue, if the type
is still in existence, will be found to be the halophilvs of Bedel, the
former name having, of course, priority.
P. Tialophilus resembles both frontalis, Er. and bicolor, Fab. The
following table will serve to separate the three species : —
A. — Elytra without series of setiferous pores ; £ with claws angularly bent
and head testaceous in front of eyes ; ¥ with head entirely black
and claws simple .frontalis, Er.
AA. — Elytra with series of setiferous pores.
a. Head more or less fuscous or testaceous, but paler in front of
eyes in both sexes, strongly punctured but not alutaceous
behind the well-defined and angular transverse furrow ;
claws as in P. frontalis ...bicolor, Fab. (maritimus, Thorns.)
aa. Head black, with a testaceous triangular spot in front of eyes
in both sexes, sha.l lowly punctured and alutaceous behind the
nearly straight transverse furrow, which is badly defined ;
claws as in P. frontalis halophilus, Bedel.
As observed by Bedel, the series of setiferous pores on the elytra
are very obscure, and it requires a certain amount of attention to
observe them. P. halophilus, like its ally P. bicolor, is found in
brackish water ; it occurs in the Mediterranean region and also on the
French coast of the Channel. The four specimens before me were
taken by Mr. Claude Morley in a ditch on the coast near Bawdsey,
Essex, in April, 1904.
13, Oppidans Road, N.W. :
March 3rd, 1914.
80 [April,
NOTES ON BRITISH PHILYDRUS.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S.
1. — P. fuscipennis, Thorns.
In his " Opuscula Entomologica " (No. 10, p. 1031, 1884) Thomson
describes as a new species a Swedish Philydrus under the name of
P. fuscipennis. His species has since been recognised by G-anglbauer
(Kaf. Mitteleur. 4, p. 24(5), who materially alters the characters
assigned to it by Thomson, and adds that the insect is distributed
over the greater part of Europe. Reitter also gives the species as
distinct, and says that it occurs all over Germany, but is not abundant
(Faun. German. 2, p. 363).
From this we may infer the probability of the occurrence of P.
fuscipennis in Britain, and I have no doubt that it is fairly common
here ; as Ganglbauer states that it is in Europe generally.
It is very closely allied to P. melanocephalus. The distinctions
are well summarised by Reitter, who gives as the characters of fusci-
pennis : " head and labrum in both sexes black, the sides of the former
merely narrowly yellow-red in front of the eyes, the terminal joint of
the maxillary palpi black at the tip." And he gives as contrasted
characters for melanocephalus : " clypeus and labrum, at any rate in
the male (which has the anterior claws incrassated) , yellow-brown ;
terminal joint of the palpi not blackened, at the most indistinctly
darker ; colour of the upper side brighter."
These are likewise the characters given for the species by G-angl-
bauer, but with the addition that the punctuation of the upper surface
is generally somewhat finer and less close than in melanocephalus.
If I am correct in considering we have both species in this
country, then GTanglbauer has reversed the fact as to the difference in
punctuation of the two, for, in Britain at any rate, the sculpture is
closer and stronger in the darker of the two fonns.
Thomson's description was evidently hastily drawn up ; apparently
he did not know that in the section of Philydrtis to which these insects
belong, the claws of the male front feet differ markedly from those of
the female, and he appears to have compared a male of fuscipennis
with a female of melanocephalus, and to have given the sexual difference
in the claws as the most important character for specific distinction !
G-anglbauer says that the male claws are similar in the two species,
and he is correct in this.
1914.] 81
Both fuscipennis and melanocephalus vary a good deal, and as the
two forms are very closely allied, those entomologists who object to
" splitting " will no doubt consider that they are variations of a single
species.
The following particulars as to the series in my own collection
will therefore have some interest. As regards the variation I should
state as a preliminary, that the male in several species of Philydrus
tends to differ from the female by a greater extension of the pale
colour of the head.
Sixteen specimens taken at Garelochhead, on the Clyde, are all
fuscipennis, exhibiting little variation, though one specimen has the
elytra less tinged with black colour than the others.
Eight specimens from Morton, Dumfries-shire, April 24th, 1868,
are all clearly fuscipennis ; the coloration of the elytra is more variable
than in the Clyde series ; in three of them the front of the head is
completely black, in the others the small yellow mark on each side is
quite definite.
Four specimens from Keir, Dumfries-shire, May 4th, 1868, are
all ftiscipennis. Three of them have the head entirely black, one has a
very obscure small yellow mark on each side of the clypeus, and only
one of the four has the elytra strongly tinged with black.
One specimen from the Moor at Keir, October, 1867, agrees with
the four last mentioned, except that the small yellow mark on the
clypeus is distinct as in some of the Morton examples.
These redder examples are vexy similar to P. nigricans, and may
not improbably be mixed with it in collections.
Two specimens from Eannoch, May, 1866, are typical fuscipennis,
with the head entirely black.
One specimen from Padstow (C. Gr. Lamb) is an undoubted fusci-
pennis, though a crippled deformity, it has the yellow mark on the side
of the head slightly larger than any Scottish example has.
New Forest, one specimen ^ , September, 1909. This is a most
unsatisfactory example ; it has a large yellow mark on each side of the
head, and the labrum is yellow, but the apex of the palpi is black, both
the labial and maxillary palps being so coloured. As regards this
character therefore this example is fuscipennis, though the head is
coloured as in melanocephalus. I believe it will prove to be an
interesting aberration of the latter species.
82 [April,
From this review I have concluded that P. fuscipennis should be
added to the list of British insects and that it is probably a good
species ; distinguished from melanocephalus by the darker coloration
of the head, by the black tips of the palpi (which also are slightly
shorter than in melanocephalus) , and by the rather coarser and more
definite punctuation of the elytra.
2. P. MELANOCEPHALUS, El'.
In 1877 (Bull. Soc. Ent. France, p. clxxvii) Bedel pointed out
that the species we have recognised under this name has been in-
correctly treated as regards synonymy, and suggested that we should
call it quadripunctatus, Herbst. He is followed in this by Ganglbauer
and Eeitter, and we may adopt this name, though in my opinion it
would have been better to continue to follow Erichson.
As regards the occurrence of the species in tliis country I may
remark that, though all my Scottish examples assigned to it prove to
be fuscipennis, Th., in the South of England P. quadripunctatus
(previously treated of under the name of melanocephalus) is not un-
common. Mr. C. J. C. Pool finds it at Southsea ; I have met with it
at Kainham and Horning, and have also a pair given me many years
ago by Dr. J. A. Power as being P. nigricans.
3. P. FRONTALIS, El'.
Erichson's description of P. frontalis was published, I believe, in
the latter part of the year 1837, and it undoubtedly applies to the
species we have hitherto called nigricans, Zett., but according to
Hagen, Zetterstedt's description did not appear till 1838. We should
therefore adopt the name given by Erichson. This change is an
advantageous one.
P. frontalis is, according to my experience, the most abundant of
this group of species, occurring in plenty both in England and Scotland.
4. P. MARITIMUS, Th.
This species is also the unfortunate victim of a proposed change
of name. Bedel, Ganglbauer, and Eeitter call it bicolor, Fabr. The
description of bicolor by Fabricius may possibly apply to maritimus.
Erichson examined the type and considered it to be a variety of
P. testaceus with pale vertex. Erichson, however, did not recognise
P. maritimtis which usually (though not invariably) has a pale vertex,
and it is therefore probable that the type examined by Erichson may
be really maritimus. Still this is not certain, and the description of
19141 83
Fabricms (Ent. Syst. I, p. 184, 1792) is so poor that I think we should
for the present continue to use the appropriate name " maritimus."
P. maritimus is not uncommon in brackish waters. I have found
it in profusion at Lymington, and Mr. Pool takes it freely at Southsea.
At both these places a variety occurs that is so remarkable that I
think it should have a name.
P. maritimus var. brevipalpis, n. Much smaller than the usual
form, and with the maxillary palpi so greatly reduced as to be some-
times only half the natural length. This reduction affects the terminal
joint most strongly, so that it is in the extreme cases merely a short
oval appendage. Southsea and Lymington, with the type form and
varying like it in colour. The Lymington examples were found by me
in September, 1868 ; the Southsea example was sent me by Mr. Pool
in April, 1912.
Brockenhurst :
February 10th, 1914.
A NOTE ON THE BEITISH SPECIES OF SPH&RIDIUM, F.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
When examining my specimens of the genus Sphseridium, F., I
failed to identify all of them with the help of the keys given by
Fowler, G-anglbauer and Reitter, and a dissection of a few males
demonstrated three very different forms of sedeagus. Some difficulty
arose as to the name to be given to the third species, which has not been
recognised as specifically distinct for many years. Marsham's descrip-
tion of his " Dermestes quadrimaculatus" although short, certainly
seems to refer to it, and not to an aberration of S. bifustulatum, F.,
as suggested by Reitter in " Fauna G-ermanica," Kafer, Vol. II, p. 367.
The following is a short key to the genus : —
I. — Form narrower and more convex ; thorax with base strongly biarcuate
(fig. 4), hind angles sharply rectangular ; tibiae yellow ; ajdeagus as
in fig. 1. Length, 4-5 — 55 mm bipustulatum, F.
II. — Form broader and less convex; thorax with base slightly biarcuate,
hind angles obtuse and slightly blunt.
i.~ Thorax with at least front part of side-margins narrowly
yellow, base distinctly biarcuate, hind angles less obtuse ;
tibiae yellow ; sedeagus as in fig. 2. Length, 5-5 — 7 m.m.
. . . quadrimaculatum, Marsh.
84
[April,
ii. — Thorax with side-mai-gins concolorous, base scarcely biarcuate,
hind angles more obtuse ; tibise pitchy-red ; sedeagns as in
fig. 3. Length, 65 — 7'5 mm scarab seoides, L.
With regard to colour, in all three species there is a form which
has the elytra with a red humeral spot and the apex yellow. In
S. bipustulatum it is rare, and the coloration is generally obscure.
In 8. quadrimacidatum it is the only form I have seen. In 8. scara-
beeoides it is as common as a form with the humeral spot absent, or
nearly so. S. bipustulatum has the side-margins of the thorax narrowly
yellow or concolorous, and the elytra may be entirely black. In
England the three species appear to be ecpjally common, but I have
not seen sufficient material to work out their distribution. In set
specimens, fortunately, the tip of the cedeagus is often found pro-
jecting from the end of the hind body. The male is easily recognised
by its abruptly bent claws.
ft
h
1
12 3 4
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES.
1. — Apex of middle lobe of sedeagus of S. bipustulatum.
2. — „ „ „ „ S. quadrimaculatum.
3. — „ „ „ „ S. scarab seoides.
4. — Thorax of S. bipustulatum.
Bradfield, Reading :
March, 1914.
ANTHICUS BIFASCIATUS, Rossi : A SPECIES NEW TO BRITAIN.
BY J. C. F. AND H. F. FRTEK.
We are pleased to be able to add the above-mentioned insect to
the list of British beetles.
The species is abundantly distinct from all the other members of
the genus known to occur in Britain ; it is smaller than A. antherinus,
which it most nearly resembles, measuring from 2-5 to 3 mm. in length,
1914.] 85
and is of a pitchy brown or black colour, with two yellowish-testaceous
spots on each elytron. In some of the specimens in the British Museum
(from Southern Europe) these spots, extending- across the whole width
of the elytron, unite and form a fascia, and this probably suggested
the name bifasciatus. In our series, however, consisting of over sixty
specimens, there is very little variation in the size of the spots, and in
no case is there any suggestion of a fascia.
De la Ferte in his monograph of the genus (Monographie des
Anthicus et genres voisins, p. 155), gives the following diagnosis, from
which it is evident that he considered the spotted form the more usual :
" nigro-piceus nitidus, sat profunde punctatus, vix pubescens ; thorace
postice rufo ; elytris maculis duabus flavis ; antennarum basis, tibiis
tarsisque testaceis."
The insect was found in considerable numbers in old manure
heaps in the neighbourhood of Chatteris, Cambridgeshire ; it was not
confined to a single heap, but was taken in several, a mile distant from
each other, and must certainly be distributed over a wide area in this
immediate locality.
Anthicus bifasciatus, according to de la Ferte, is known from
Central and Southern Europe, France, Switzerland, Austria, and
Germany as far north as Darmstadt ; but it is probable that the
records of its range have been widely extended since the author wrote
his monograph (1848).
We are indebted to Mr. G-. C. Champion for identifying the
species, and to Mr. K. CI. Blair for kindly forwarding specimens to
Herr von Krekich, an authority on the genus, who agreed in its
determination.
The Priory, Chatteris :
March, 1914.
COLEOPTERA IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
BY H. FORTESCUE FRYER, F.E.S.
{Continued from p. 13).
BuPRESTID^.
Agrilus laticornis, 111.* — Chatteris.
Elaterid-s:.
Lacon murinus, L. — Chatteris, Hoi woods. Melanotus rufipes, Hbst.—
generally distributed Athous niger, L— Chatteris, Wicken, Warboys ; longi-
collis, 01. — Chatteris, Holwoods, Horseway ; hxmorrhoidalis, F., and vittatus, F.
86 t>Prn>
— generally distributed. Limonius cylindricus, Pk.— Chatteris, Warboys;
minutus, L. — generally distributed. Adrastus limbatus, F. - Holwoods, Wicken,
Wood Walton . Agriotes sputator, L. — Chatteris, Holwoods, Mepal, Cambridge ;
obscurus, L. — Mepal ; lineatus, L. - Chatteris ; sordidus, 111.* — Mepal; sobrinus,
Kies. — Warboys. Dolopius marginatus, L. — Warboys. Corymbites quercus,
Gyll. — Wood Walton; holosericeus, F. — Colne Drove; metallicus, Pk. — Mepal.
Campylus linearis, L. — Warboys.
DASCILLIDiE.
Dascillus cervinus, L.* —Chippenham. Helodes minuta, L. - Chatteris.
Microcara livida, F. — Chatteris, Doddington, Wood Walton. Cyphon nitidulus,
Th. — Chatteris, Chippenham, Hemingford, Wood Walton; variabilis, Thunb. —
Chatteris, Horseway, Holwoods, Wood Walton ; pallidulus, Boh. — Chatteris,
Holwoods ; padi, L. -- Chippenham.
IiAMPYRIDjE.
Lampyris noctiluca, L. — Wicken.
Telephorhme.
Silis ruficollis, F. - Chippenham, Wicken, Wood Walton. Telephorus
rusticus, Fall. — Chatteris, Doddington, Fleam Dyke; lividus, L.— Wicken;
pellucidus, F. — Warboys ; nigricans, Mull.— generally distributed ; lituratus,
Fall. — Hemingford, Warboys ; figuratus, Mann.— Wicken, Warboys ; bicolor, F.,
and Jlavilabris, Fall.*— Chatteris ; hxmorrhoidalis, F. — Warboys ; thoracicus,
01.— Chatteris, Wicken, Wood Walton ; oralis, G-erm.— Horseway, Holwoods,
Hemingford. Rhagonycha fuscicornis, 01. — Chippenham : fulva, Scop. —
Chatteris, Holwoods, Chippenham ; limbata, Th. - Chatteris, Warboys. Mal-
thinus punctat us, Fourc — Holwoods, Warboys; balteatus, Suffr.*— Chatteris.
Malthodes marginatus, Latr., and minimus, L.— Chatteris, Warboys. Malachius
■eneus, L.— Chatteris ; bipustulatus, L. — Holwoods, Doddington, Warboys ;
viridis, F. — Chatteris, Holwoods, Wicken, Fleam Dyke. Anthocomus rufus,
Hbst. — Horseway, Wicken ; fasciatus, L.— Holwoods, Chippenham. Dasytes
xrosus, Kies.- Chatteris, Warboys. Haplocnemus nigricornis, F.*— Warboys :
one specimen on the wing.
CliERID.E.
Tillus elongatus, L.*— Holwoods. Opilo mollis, L. — Chatteris, Holwoods,
Hemingford. Necrobia rufipes, F.— Cambridge. Corynetes cceruleus, De G. —
Chatteris, Warboys.
Ptinid^.
Ptinus fur, L., and Niptus hololeucus, Fall.— Chatteris.
AnOBIIDjE.
Priobium castaneum, F* — Chatteris. Anobium domesticum, Fourc. — Hol-
woods, Warboys; fulvicorne, Stm.— Chatteris, Holwoods; paniceum, L. —
Chatteris, Cambridge. Xestobium tessellatum, L.— Chatteris, Holwoods. Ptilinus
pectinicornis, L. — Holwoods, Hemingford. Ochina hederse, Mull. — Chatteris,
Holwoods.
1914.] 87
CrssiDiE.
Cis boleti, Scop. — Holwoods, Doddington; villosulus, Marsh. -Chatteris,
Holwoods. Ennearthron cornutum, Gyll.* — Chatteris. Octotemnus glabriculus,
Gyll — Warboys.
CerambycidjE.
Aromia moschata, L. -Holwoods. Clytus arietis, L. — Chatteris, Holwoods;
mysticus, L. — Holwoods, Colne Drove, Warboys. Toxotus meridianus, L. —
Chatteris. Strangalia armata, Hbst. — Doddington ; melanura, Warboys.
Grammoptera ruficornis, Df. - Chatteris, Warboys.
Lamiidje.
Leiopus nebulosus, L. Chatteris. Pogonochoerus dentatus, Fourc, and
Agapanthia lineatocollis, Don. — Wicken. Saperda carcharias, L. — Holwoods.
Tetrops prseusta, L. - Chatteris, Warboys. Phytcecia cylindrica, L., and Oberea
oculata, L. Wicken.
Bruchid^;.
Bruchus rujimanus, Boh. —Chatteris.
Chrysomelid^e.
Donacia limbata, Pz. - Chatteris ; impressa, Pk. — Mepal ; simplex, F. —
Horseway, Holwoods ; clavipes, F. — Holwoods ; semicuprea, Pz.— Holwoods,
Mepal, Hemingford ; cinerea, Hbst. Chatteris. Lema cyanella, L.— Chatteris,
Holwoods, Wood Walton; melanopa, L. - Chatteris; lichenis, Voet.— Chatteris,
Wimblington, Wood Walton. Crioceris asparagi, L. - Chatteris. Crypt ocephalus
pusillus, F. — Holwoods, Arrington, Wood Walton ; labiatus, L.— Wood Walton.
Timarcha tenebricosa, F. — Chatteris. Chrysomela marginata, Dufts.— Holwoods ;
polita, L.- Chatteris ; graminis, L. — Wicken ; fastuosa, Scop. — Chatteris, Mepal.
Melasoma populi, L.— Wicken. Gastroidea viridula, De Gr. - generally dis-
tributed ; polygoni, L. — Chatteris. Phsedon tumidulus, Germ. — Chatteris,
Fleam Dyke ; armoracise, L.*— Chatteris ; cochlearise, F. — generally distributed.
Phyllodecta cavifrons, Th. — Wicken; vitelline, L. - Chatteris, Wicken. Hydro-
thassa aucta, F. - Chatteris, Mepal ; marginella, L. - Mepal. Prasocuris phel-
landrii, L. - Chatteris, Holwoods. Lochmsea cratsegi, Forst. — Doddington, War-
boys. Galerucella lineola, F. — Chatteris, Wood Walton ; calmariensis, L.—
Chatteris Acre Fen, Holwoods ; tenella, L. — Wicken. Longitarsus dorsalis, F. —
Chippenham ; luridus, Scop. — generally distributed ; suturellus, Duft. —
Chatteris, Holwoods, Wood Walton ; atricillus, L.— Mepal, Old Hurst; melano-
cephalus, De G. — Chatteris, Doddington ; distinguendus, Eye.— Chatteris ; flavi-
cornis, Steph. - Chatteris, Holwoods, St. Ives ; jacobxse, Wat. — Chatteris,
Holwoods ; femoralis, Marsh, {exoletns, L.) — Chippenham ; ochroleucus, Marsh. —
Chatteris ; pusillus, Gyll. — Old Hurst ; gracilis, Kuts.— Chatteris, St. Ives.
Haltica lythri, Aube. — Warboys ; oleracea, L., and palustris, Weise.— Fleam
Dyke, Warboys. Phyllotreta nodicomis, Marsh.- Chatteris, Chippenham, Cherry-
hinton ; consobrina, Curt.— Chatteris, Holwoods, Wimblington ; atra, Pk. —
88 [April,
Chatteris, Holwoods ; undulata, Kuts.— Chatteris, Hoi woods ; nemorum, L. —
Chatteris, Holwoods, Kimbolton ; ochripes, Curt.* — Chatteris ; sinuata, Steph. —
Holwoods. Aphthona lutescens, Gyll. - Wood Walton ; nonstriata, Goez. —
Wicken, Wood Walton; venustula, Kuts. -Kimbolton ; atroccerulea, Steph. —
Chatteris, Doddington. Batophila serata, Marsh.— Alconbury. Sphseroderma
testacea, F. — Chatteris, Acre Fen ; cardui, Gyll.— Chatteris, Acre Fen, Old
Hurst. Mantura rustica, L. - Chatteris, Holwoods Crepidodera transversa,
Marsh. — Chatteris, Wicken, Old Hurst; ferruginea, Scop. — Chatteris Acre Fen,
Colne Drove; v entrails, III. — Wimblington, Wood Walton; helxines, L. — War-
boys ; aurata, Marsh.— Chatteris, Holwoods, Warboys ; smaragdina, Foud. —
Holwoods, Wood Walton. Chxtocnema hortensis, Fourc. - Holwoods. Plec-
troscelis concinna, Marsh. - generally distributed. Psylliodes chrysocephala, L. —
Holwoods; cuprea, Koch.— Chatteris ; affinis, Pk.— Horseway, Heniingford ;
dulcamara, Koch,* and chalcomera, 111. — Chatteris ; picina, Marsh.* — Wicken.
Cassida nebulosa, L. — Holwoods; nobilis, L., and flaveola, Thunb. — Holwoods,
Warboys ; viridis, L.— Chatteris, Holwoods, Fleam Dyke, Wood Walton.
(To be continued).
SOME KECOEDS OF SCOTTISH S1PHONAPTERA.
BY JAMES WATERSTON, B.D., B. Sc.
As a preliminary to drawing rip a " Census " of the Siphonaptera
of Scotland, I have intended for some time to publish notes of species
(taken mainly in Shetland) added to my collection since the close of
1909. But through the great kindness of the Hon. N. Charles Roths-
child, M.A., who has supplied a list of Scottish Fleas in the Municipal
Museum, Warrington ; in the British Museum ; and in his own rich
collection, it has been possible to enlarge considerably the scope of
the paper at first contemplated.
From the MS. which Mr. Rothschild has supplied it appears that
in Warrington Museum the following Scottish-taken fleas are repre-
sented : — Ceratophyllus penicilliger ; Ctenoplithalmus agyrtes ; Hystri-
clwpsylla talpse. In the British Museum there are found : — Spilopsyllus
cuniculi ; Ceratophyllus scmrorum, C. penicilliger, C.farreni, C. hirun-
dinis, C. columbte ; Ctenopldhalmus agyrtes; Hystrichopsylla talpse.
And in addition to the above eight species Mr. Rothschild has from
Scotland : — Pulex irritans ; Archseopsylla erinacei ; Ctenocephalus
canis ; Ceratophyllus fasciatus, C. gallinee, C. garei, C. rustims, G. styx,
G. galltnulee, G. vagabundus, C. borealis, C. rothschildi ; Gtenophthalrmis
bisoctodentatus ; Doratopsylla dasycnemus ; Paleeopsylla sorecis, P.
1914.] 89
minor, P. kohauti ; Leptopsylla spectabilis ; Ischnopsyllus octactenus.
Some changes in nomenclature are to be noted since 1909. In the
1911 Edition (November) of Mr. Rothschild's "British Siphonaptera"
Dampf's genus, Archseopsylla, (1908), is employed for Ctenocephalus
erinacei, Wagner's sub-division of Ctenophthahmis (1902) is adopted,
and Leptopsylla, Eothsch. (1911) replaces Ctenopsyllus, Kolen.
Since 1911 Gtenophthalmus has been further sub-divided by the
erection of Doratopsylla, Rothsch (1912) for A. dasycnemus, while the
genus Bhadinopsylla, Rothsch. (1912), differentiated for the reception
of an Algerian flea, includes two British forms, Gt. pentacantlms and
Gt. isacanthus.
A " List of British Fleas," embodying the above changes and
revised up to March, 1913, will be found in Mr. H. Russell's useful
manual, " The Flea," recently published by the Cambridge University
Press.
Geratopliyllus rusticus, Wagn., with six months priority displaces
G. dalei, Rothsch., while, as Mr. Rothschild has pointed out (Ent. Mo.
Mag., p. 67, 1912), his G. msularis (1906) proves to be identical with
0. vagabundiis, Boh. (1865).
Of the genus Palseopsylla, Wagn. (1902) — for a critical under-
standing of which we are indebted to the exquisite researches (1910)
of Dr. Alfons Dampf— three species, P. sorecis, Dale (1878) ; P. minor,
Dale (1878), and P. kohauti, Dampf (1910), are now listed as British.
Until the publication of Dampf's results, P. sorecis and P. minor wei*e
treated in English writings as one species under the name " gracilis,
Taschb." It is uncertain, therefore, to what species any " gracilis "
material hitherto recorded from Scotland is really referable. The pre-
sumption is that such examples belong to P. minor where the host was
Talpa europxa, and to P. sorecis when taken from Sorex or Crossopus,
but in any case re- examination is indispensable before such records
can be relied upon. Out of the six species constituting the genus
Palseopsylla, no fewer than four are attached to Talpa europasa. It is
evident, therefore, that even if P. similis, Dampf (1910), and P.
atlantica, Rothsch. (1912), should ultimately prove to be non-British
forms, all Palseopsylla material from moles requires critical investigation.
In 1906 I recorded two fleas from Sorex araneus as Ct. sorecis,
Dale, on Mr. Rothschild's identification — a record which still holds
good.
90 [April,
In dealing with the data so generously put at my disposal by
Mr. "Rothschild, I have omitted any records previously published, or
those which are covered by existing records of an earlier date. In
three instances, however, C. columhse (1) and Ct. agyrtes (2), this rule
has been departed from, as previously the records were incompletely
given.
In the present list special notice may be drawn to the occurrence
of Spilopsyllus cuniculi on wild cat ; to the numerous records of the
rare Leptopsylla spectabilis ; to the occurrence in Shetland of Typlilo-
ceras poppei, and to the extension of the host-range of G. borealis.
PuLEX IRRITANS, L
In Rothsch. Coll., the following- —
$ , $ . Canis familiar is, Donibristle, Fifeshire, J. Waterston. 23.X.05.
2 ? ? . „ Aberdeen, L. G. Esson. 25.xii.ll.
2 ? ? . Homo, „ „ o.xii.ll
ArchjEOpsylla erinacei, Bonch'.
c? S , ? ? . Erinareus europseus, Innerwick, East Lothian, 8.iv.l899.
P. H. Grimshaw. (Roths. Coll.).
Spilopsylltjs cuniculi, Bale.
9 from ear of cat. S. Sutor, of Cromarty, N. B. W. R. O. Grant, July,
1893. (Brit. Miis.).
S S> ? 9 j Phalacrocorax carlo, Cromarty, N. B. W. R. O. Grant, lO.iii.
1898. (Rothsch. Coll.).
(? (?, 9 9 , Lepus cuniculus, Hawick, Roxburghshire. 15.xi.1899. "W.Hewitt.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
<?!?,??,£. cuniculus, Gnisachan, Beauly, N. B. Lady Tweedmouth.
5.1.01. (Rothsch. Coll.). Also same locality and collector, $ $, 9 9, Felis
catus. 1902. (Rothsch. Coll.).
$'$ , 9 9 , Lepus cuniculus, Kinloch Rannoch. F. J. Cox. 23.vii.08.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
(7,9- Felis catus, Inverness-shire. Dr. E. A. Wilson, per Dr. G. H. F.
Nuttall. 25.iv.07. (Rothsch. Coll.).
Occurs in numbers on L cuniculus in the OUaberry district, Northmavine,
Shetland, both on the mainland and on islands in Yell Sound. 1910 — 1911.
The following are in the Rothsch. Coll., taken by L. G. Esson —
$ , Mustela erminea, Old Deer, Aberdeenshire. 10.ii.ll.
c?,3 9 9, „ Durris, „ l.ii.11.
9, „ Mintlaw, „ 8.ii.ll.
91 c? $ , 144 9 9 , Lepus cuniculus, Achmore, Assynt, near Lairg, Sutherland-
shire. March - July, 1911.
tj. Lepus europseus, Mosshead, near Lockerbie. 2.i.l3. J. F. Cormack, Jim. ;
2 $ r? , 2 9 9 j Lepus cuniculus, ib.
1914.] 91
Cekatophyllus fasciatus, Bosc.
9 , Hypudseus glareolus, North Berwick, N. C. R. ll.ix.1898. (Rothsch.
Coll.).
9 , Mus sijlvaticus, Cromarty, N. B. W. R. O. Grant- 1899. (Rothsch.
Coll.).
3, 2 9 ?, Balminnoch, Wigtownshire. Harold Schwann. Aug. — Sept.,
1904. (Rothsch. Coll.).
£ <J, 9 9 j Mus decumanus, Carie, Rannoch, N. B. F. J. Cox. 15.vii.08.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
4 9 9 > Mus decumanus, Kirkcaldy. W. Mitchell. 8.xi.09.
In Rothsch. Coll., taken by L. G. Esson (1) in Aberdeenshire, the following: —
5 (J £ , 15 9 9> Mustela vulgaris, Banks of Don. 4.x. 11.
28 $ $ , 36 9 ? > Mus decumanus, Aberdeen. Oct. — Dec, 1911.
(2.) Kincardineshire.
$ , 6 9 9 > Arvicola amphibius, Nigg. 27.xi.ll.
(To be continued).
Another new Order of Insects. — In the " Bollettino del Laboratorio di Zo-
ologia Generate e Agraria della R. Scuola Superiore d'Agricoltura in Portici,"
Vol. VII, pp. 193-209 (1913), Signor F. Silvestri has described a new Order of
Insecta, " Zoraptera," to include three minute, apterous, exotic forms. These
are all placed under one genus, Zorotypus, and the species are named guineensis,
ceylonicus, and javanicus respectively. He states that the systematic position
of the Zoraptera is near the Blattidse and Isoptera. The form selected as type,
Zorotypus guineensis, is figured, and the structure and anatomy of all three
species is illustrated and described. — Eds.
Scopseus rubidus of British Collections : synonymical note.— This insect,
which has hitherto only occurred in Britain at Slapton Ley, Devon, has been
referred erroneoxxsly to S. rubidus, Rey. I have been unable to discover the
origin of this error. The species stood as S. ryei, Woll., in our Catalogues down
to 1883. In 1888, Fowler (Col. Brit., Vol. II, 138) gives the synonymy as :—
" S. rubidus (subcylindricus, Scriba ; ryei, Woll.)," presumably having copied the
European Catalogue of 1883, which work, strange to say, omits S. minimus, Er.,
altogether. In the last European Catalogue (1906), 8. ryei is given as a synonym
of minutus, Er. As long ago as 1873, Rye (Ent. Mo. Mag., X, 138) states
that " S. rubidus, Mids., is at all events quite distinct from S. ryei, Woll."
With a view to settling the question of the synonymy, I sent examples of
the Slapton Ley insect to Capt. Deville, reversing a male so as to show the
underside characters. He tells me that after comparing my specimens with a
large number of S. minimus, Er., from Central and Southern France, he is of
opinion that they are identical. He very kindly sent me a specimen of
H 2
92 [April,
S. rubidus, Rey, for comparison ; it is evidently distinct from S. ryei, Woll. The
synonymy therefore appears to be -.—Scopmus minimus, Er.
ryei, Woll.
rubidus, Brit. Cat., nee Rey. —
E. A. NewbeeTj 13, Oppidans Road, N.W. : March 15th, 1914.
Ocyusa defecta, Rey, in Westmorland. — Among a number of more or les6
interesting beetles, taken during a flying visit to Witherslack last June, was a
small Homalota-like insect which I suspected might be the above. Mr. Newbery,
with his usual kindness, passed the specimen on to Capt. Deville, who confirms
the naming. This is only the second record of 0. defecta for the British Isles.
The first specimen was taken in Devonshire by Mr. S. G. Eendel in 1908, and
introduced by Mr. Newbery as British in Ent. Mo. Mag., 1909, p. 150. The
capture of the species in such widely separate counties as Devon and West-
morland, suggests the probability of its occurrence in some of the country
intervening. My specimen was taken in the sweeping-net while working over
a marshy piece of ground. Apparently it is a rare species on the Continent. —
F. H. Day, 26, Currock Terrace, Carlisle : March 3rd, 1914.
Proteinus limbatus, Wahlb. {crenulatus, Pand.) in Westmorland and Cumber-
land.— Another of my Witherslack captures worth recording is the above, of
which I took one specimen by sweeping. It is a male, and the remarkable
crenulations on the anterior edge of the intermediate tibia? are very distinct.
The species was brought forward as a British insect by Dr. Sharp (Ent. Mo.
Mag., 1909, p. 267), he having taken four specimens at Nethy Bridge a year or
two previously. On showing my specimens to Mr. Britten, he examined his
series of P. brachypterus, Er., and promptly found two examples of the rarer
insect, taken in the parish of Great Salkeld, Cumberland. — F. H. Day : March
3rd, 1914.
Aradus lawsoni, Saunders — synonymical note. — I have long had a suspicion
that Aradus laivsoni, Saund., described in 1877 from a single specimen from
Lawson's collection, was not a native of this country, so many doubtfully British
Scolytidte (Xylechinus pilosus, Polygraphus pubescens, Tomicus typographus, &c.)
having been captured by him in timber (probably imported for pit-props) in
the Scarborough district. On calling Dr. Bergroth's attention to this insect
he writes me as follows : " Saunders' description and good coloured figure of
A. lawsoni agree perfectly well with Finnish specimens of A. truncatus, Fieb.
There can be no doubt that the two insects are synonymous, and this is also the
opinion of Prof. Sahlberg and Dr. Poppius. A. truncatus occurs in Germany
and four or five places in France, as well as in Finland, but it has not yet been
found in Sweden or Norway. It appears to be very rare everywhere." In
Saunders' continental collection of Hemiptera, which is now in the British
Museum, there is a specimen of A. truncatus, Fieb., from Mt. Dore, Auvergne
(received during recent years from M. de Buysson), agreeing perfectly with his
type and figure of A. lawsoni, thus confirming Dr. Bergroth's identification. —
G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : February 5th, 1914.
1014.! 93
Synonymy of Neoimurus halidaii, Marsh., with Elasmosoma berolinensc,
Rxdhe. — Hardly was my note on the former of the above names published (Ent.
Mo. Mag., 1914, p. 16) before I discovered Euthe's species to be identical with
that of Marshall, a female which I believe to be the type-specimen of the latter,
having been found in his collection in the British Museum. This ignorance on
the part of British Hymenopterists is entirely accounted for by the incorrect
position assigned to the genus Elasmosoma by the Continental authors, accentu-
ated by the supposed ignorance of the Eev. T. A. Marshall in 1888 (Bracon.
d'Europ. ii, 551), and the immature condition of the venation in this type — well
shown in the figure (Berl. Ent. Zeitschr , 1858, pi. iii, fig. 2) which, so far from
possessing Thomson's " Framvingarnes cubitus utgar straxt of van midten af
vena basalis, areolan ar niistan fyrkantig " (Opusc. Ent., xx, 1895, p. 2276),
shows little of the former and nothing whatever of the latter feature. No
areolet is traceable in any specimen I have yet examined, and I believe the
authors who place this genus in the " Areolaires " have done so & defaut de
mieux, or as Thomson unhappily remarks (of a purely neurational subfamily)
" species habitu fere Apantelis, alarum nervis mox distincta " ! Since Giraud's
reference to the myrmecophilous habits of this genus (Ann. Soc. Ent. France
1870, p. lvii et 1871, p. 229) Olivier has published notes upon it (Bull. lib. cit.
1893, p. lxxi et Eev. Sc. Bourbon. 1893, p. 112), supplemented by M. L'Abbe'
Pierre (lib. cit.). Giraud professes to have distinguished a second species of
the gemxs from Austria, and Thomson adds a third from Sweden ; what
Ashmead's three Nearctic forms may be I have no idea. — Claude Moblet, Monk
Soham House, Suffolk : March 1st, 1914.
A humble-bee attacked by a Dipteron. — On April 22nd last as I was standing
on a walk in my garden, aboiit 11 a.m., the day being bright and sunny, I heard
a very loud hum, resembling that of a gnat, but greatly intensified, and looking
down saw what I feel sure was a fly and not a bee, though it resembled a small,
hairy, golden-brownish bee, hovering like a Syrphus, a few inches above the
ground and vibrating its wings most violently with an appearance of great
determination and rage. After continuing thus for perhaps 15 seconds, it
suddenly darted at a medium-sized black humble-bee, which was sitting on the
ground about a foot in front of it, and settled on its back, the bee at the same
moment flying away. They parted company before they had flown more than a
yard or two, but I could not see what became of them afterwards. I had
understood that these flies that mimic bees laid their eggs in the bees' nest,
escaping notice through their similarity to their hosts, but hei-e there was no
obvious advantage in the resemblance. Though I have collected Lepidoptera
for many years in many localities I have never seen such an occurrence, and
should be interested to know whether the attack was made with the object of
sucking the juices of the bee or laying an egg on its hairs or in its body. If on
the hairs, the larva might in this way be conveyed to the bees' nest and prey on
the bee larva, My impression was from the attitude when the two insects were
together, that the object was egg-laying, but the movements were so quick that
it was impossible to be certain. The bee seemed to have no sense of danger
94 [April,
during the humming, which one Avould have expected to have the same warning
effect as a gnat's hum on oneself. Possibly it was fascinated or paralyzed by
fear. Mrs. Richardson also witnessed the occurrence and drew the same con-
clusions. The whole effect was horrid, and suggested an aeroplane hovering above
with great noise, and preparing to drop a bomb ! — Nelson M. Richardson,
Montevideo, near Weymouth : January 30th, 1914.
A chloroform killing and relaxing bottle. — For the purpose of killing insects
for the entomological collection, chloroform has manifest advantages in its rapid
and painless action, as well as in the fact that it rarely affects the colours of
specimens, which are often seriously impaired through the use of laurel and
other killing agents in general use. There is, however, one very serious and
well-known objection to chloroform in that it renders the specimens so rigid
after death that it is often extremely difficult to set them properly, and this
objection is most insistent in the case of small species. To attempt to meet this
difficrdty I have recently devised a special killing bottle, and as it is possible a
similar bottle has not already been used by others it may be desirable to describe
it. A wide-mouthed glass jar with a metal screw top is suitable, the screw top
being furnished inside with the usual cardboard disc, which may be supplemented
by the insertion of several similar discs of blotting paper. A piece of sponge
about the size of a large pea should be firmly attached, by means of a fine wire,
to the cardboard in the screw top. This sponge is intended to receive a few
drops of chloroform, which is thus effectively kept from direct contact with the
specimens in the jar. At the bottom of the bottle itself a much larger sponge
an inch or two in diameter, partially saturated with water is placed, the remain-
ing space in the lower portion of the jar being subsequently filled up with cotton
wool and the whole held compactly down by means of a tight-fitting cardboard
disc. Such a bottle will, of course, " sweat" in the same way as a laurel bottle ;
the portion above the cardboard disc therefore requires to be dried when
moisture accumulates on the glass. I have found that insects killed with
chloroform in a bottle of this design are usually fairly Avell relaxed in about 12
hours, and can then be set almost as easily as those killed with laurel. — G. V.
Hudson, Mount Earnslaw Hut, near Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand : January
13th, 1914.
Wet seasons arid Acarid parasites on insects. — I find that nearly every insect
captured in this locality has one or more red Acarids attached to it, and in some
cases three or four Acarids have affixed themselves to a single specimen. This
infestation is not confined to Lepidoptcra, but is observable in the case of
Neuroptera, Diptera, etc. I recollect noticing the prevalence of these parasites
whilst collecting in this locality during the wet summer of 1902-1903. It is
obvious that in wet cold seasons such as the present, Lepidoptcra and other flying
insects must spend prolonged periods resting in sheltered spots waiting for a
spell of warm fine weather suitable for flight, and it seems a reasonable
assumption that it is during these prolonged waits that the Acarids attach them-
selves to their unfortunate hosts. As a matter of fact, I am at present detained
1914.] 95
in the hut on Mount Earnslaw, and have been waiting for over two days for a
few hours of fine weather to resume collecting.— CI. V. Hudson : January 13th,
1914.
Change of name for Andrena amligua, Perk. — This name being pre-occupied,
I pi'opose that the species be called Andrena synadelpha n.n. — R. C. L. Perkins, /^
JUtrinu.
Second Supplement to the Lepidoptera of the Isle of Purbeck.
By Nelson M. Richardson, B.A.
We are glad to see this " Supplement " which brings our knowledge of the
Lepidoptera of a most interesting district up to the end of the year 1910. The
additions are mostly due to the energetic work of Mr. Eustace R. Bankes, who,
but for his unfortunate illness, would have compiled the List, and which also
probably accounts for its somewhat late appearance, and that it is not brought
more nearly up to present date. In all, 171 species are added to the two
previous lists, making 1,197 now recorded for Purbeck : a very large total for so
small a district. The additions include many rare and interesting species, of
which the histories are given in full detail ; but among them are also a number
which are ordinarily regarded as of so universal distribution, that one wonders
how they came to be so long overlooked that they did not appear in the earlier
lists. Phigalia pilosaria, Noctua baia, and Adela viridella may be taken as
instances. There are, too, more " Delenda et corrigenda " than ought to have
been necessary, had the specimens been properly overhauled and authenticated
before the publication of the earlier lists, a score of species being treated under
this heading. The " Supplement " is well got up and clearly printed, and forms
part of the " Proceedings " of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, Vol. XXXIV. 1913— G. T. P.
Societies.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society: Annual Meeting of
the Society held at the Royal Institution, Colquit Street, Liverpool, on Monday,
December 15th, 1913.— Mr. F. N. Pierce, F.E.S., President, in the Chair.
Mr. John M. Wilding, 52a, Orrell Lane, Liverpool, was elected a Member of
the Society.
The following Members were elected Officers and Council for next year,
viz. -.—President : R. Wilding. Vice-Presidents : F. N. Pierce, F.E.S., R. New-
stead, F.R.S., M.Sc, J. R. le B. Tomlin, M.A., F.E.S., H. R. Sweeting, M.A.
Hon. Treasurer : J. Cotton. Librarian : F. N. Pierce. Hon. Secretary : Wm.
Mansbridge, F.E.S. Council : L. West, H. S. Leigh, F.E.S., A. E. Gibbs, F.L.S.,
F.E.S., A. W. Boyd, M.A., F.E.S., C. E. Stott, P. F. Tinne, M.A., S. P. Doudney,
Wm. Webster, R. S. Bagnall, F.L.S., F.E.S.
96 tAPril.
i
Mr. F. N. Pierce delivered the Presidential address, taking for his subject
" The Hairs and Scales of Lepidoptera." The President described in detail his
original observations upon this branch of insect morphology and illustrated the
same by many drawings and microscopic preparations. In the course of his
remarks he described a difference he had found between certain scales in
Tephrosia crepuscularia and biundularia and stated that this was the only differ-
ence of a structural character he had been able to discover in these two species.
Mr. R. Wilding brought a specimen of Eubolia bipunctaria for exhibition and
stated that it was taken by himself so long ago as July, 1880, but he had never
before recorded it. Captured at West Kirby ; this is the second record of this
unlikely moth for our two counties. Dr. J. Cotton showed a number of colour
photographs of Lepidoptera by the Paget process and pointed out the advantages
of these plates over the older processes.
Monday, January 19th, 1914. — Mr. E. Wilding, President, in the Chair.
A discussion vipon " Varieties and Species recently added to the local list
of Lepidoptera " was opened by Mr. W. Mansbridge. Novelties were confined
almost entirely to the Micro-Lepidoptera and to variation. Twenty-six species
new to Lancashire and Cheshire since the last published list were enumerated,
one of them, Scoparia vafra, Meyr., being new to science. The increasing ten-
dency to melanism and spread of melanic forms was commented upon, instances
being Boarmia repandata becoming more frequent at Delamere in its black form
(var. nigra) ; Fidonia atomaria from near Pmrnley and Chat Moss ; Tortrix
costana from Liverpool and Burnley. He also mentioned that the black forms
of Aplecta nebulosa did not appear to be increasing in relative numbers at
Delamere ; on the contrary, in 1913 the percentage was smaller than usual from
wild larvae.
Mr. S. P. Doudney exhibited a speeimen of Chcerocampa celerio captured at
Prescott, and Mr. W. Mansbridge brought a specimen of Catocala fraxini,
having very dark, almost black forewings, bred from a Sussex female.
Monday, February 16th, 1914. — The President in the Chair.
This meeting was a joint one with the Manchester Entomological Society,
who were invited to tea by the Council.
A large number of exhibitions were made including the following, viz. : —
A small collection of insects from the Amazons by Mr. C. H. Walker.
Prof. Newstead and Mr. Watson of Manchester made remarks upon this exhibit,
describing the habits and life-history of the more noteworthy species.
Mr. V. Coryton, of Manchester, a fine melanic specimen of Plusia gamma, as
well as a bronzy form and the typical insect for comparison, also Trochilium
crabroniforme Noia cucullatella, Eiipithecia fraxinata, and a short series of
Peronea variegana, all from the Brooklands district of Cheshire. Mr. E. Tait,
Jun., full-fed larvae of Epunda lichenea found in the open in N. Wales on
January 10th ; many then found had already pupated. He also made some
remarks upon the early date. Mr. B. H. Crabtree showed varieties of Abraxas
grossulariata as follows, viz. : — lacticolor-radiata, lacticolor-cuneata, iochalcea,
1914.] 97
flavopalliata, and flavopalliata-cuneata. Mr. W. Mansbridge, a long series of
Fidonia atomaria from the Burnley district, bred by forcing in a warm room in
January, including many dark forms ; also a series of Odontopera bidentata var.
nigra, which emerged in January in a cold room. Dr. P. F. Tinne, a series of
Cidaria reticulata from Windermere. Mr. R. Wilding, Satyrus semele, English
and Irish forms, Pieris napi from Ireland, Kent and the coast sand-hills, also
Melitma artemis from Ireland. Mr. F. N. Pierce had on view the drawings for
his forthcoming work, " The Genitalia of the British Geometrse," as well as
preparations under the microscope. —Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretary.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, February 12th, 1914. — Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., President, in the Chair.
Mr. B. Williams of East Finchley, and Prof. Meldola, F.R.S., were elected
Members.
Mr. H. Rowland-Brown discussed the matter of " Nature Reserves," and
appealed for further financial aid and suggestions for the care of these areas.
Rev. G. Wheeler read a paper on " The Genus Melitsea," and exhibited many
European species. Mr. A. E. Gibbs, his collection of the American species of
the genus Melitma, with species of the allied genus Phyciodes. Mr. Curwen,
series of most of the European species of Melitma. Mr. J. Piatt Barrett, series
of Sicilian M. athalia and M. didyma. Mr. Edwards, species of Phyciodes and
Coatlantona from South and Central America.
Thursday, February 2Qth, 1914. — The President in the Chair.
There was a special Exhibition of Lantern Slides by Members. Mr. Tonge,
various details of Lepidopterous life-histories. Mr. C W. Williams, organisms
obtained by using the Berlese apparatus, and details of Coniopteryx and Aleu-
rodes, etc. Mr. West, various species of Collembola, etc. Mr. Dennis, illustrating
various British galls. Mr. Colthrup, illustrating the l-esting positions of Lepido-
pterous imagines. Mr. Frohawk exhibited a series of Anosia plexippus bred
from ova laid by a ? sent alive to this country. Mr. Main, for Mr. Sharp of
Eastbourne, a bred gynandromorph of Eriogaster lanestris, left side £ , right
side ? . Mr. W. J. Kaye, the Syntomid Diptilon halterata, which is readily
taken for a species of Diptera. — Hi. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF CARABUS CLATHBATUS, L.,
WITH AN ATTEMPT TO CONFUTE THE RECORD OF ITS
OCCURRENCE IN ENGLAND.
BY CLAUDE MORLEY, F.Z.S., F.E.S.
I.
" The first indigenous specimen of this striking and elegant
insect," says Stephens (Illustr. Mandib. i, 1828, p. 54), "was taken by
Mr. Haworth at Halvergate in Norfolk in the year 1809, subsequently
9» [April,
to that period others were taken there," as well as in Scotland and
Ireland ; in spite of his certainly correct reference of the unnamed
upper figure in Donovan's British Insects, Vol. XV (1811), pi. 526, to
the same species in the Manual of 1839, p. 15, where it is again
mentioned from " Halvergate Marsh, Norf . ; Caithness, &c, Scotland ;
and near Dublin" in April to June.
In Stephens' Catalogue of 1829, the reference to Haworth's
record is Trans. Ent. Soc. i, p. 338 ; this is the old Entomological
Society, which published but a single volume of Transactions, dated
1807 (though actually issued 1807-1812, teste Sherborn in litt.) ; the
first volume of the present Society appeared in 1836. A. H. Haworth's
recoi'd in his " A brief Account of Some rare Insects announced at
various times to the Society, as new to Britain," is : —
" 32. clathratus. Carabus. apterus nigricans, elytris aeneis,
striatis interjectis punctis excavatis cupreis.
" Fab. Syst. Eleut. i. 77. Panz. Faun, cum icone.
" I first took this in a Marsh at Halvergate, Norfolk, April, 1809 :
since when several others have been there taken."
This is all; and it certainly seems to describe the insect, excepting
the word " striatis," which would be inappropriate (as Mr. Newbery
very truly remarks to me, in litt.) to our modern ideas, as the coppery
impressions are not separated by strise but by raised costse ; and
Mr. Ernest Elliott suggests that some such insect as C. hortensis was
mistaken for it. Doubt of its occurrence in the Marsh may be gathered
from Samouelle (Entom. Useful Compendium, 1819, p. 364) " Near
Halvergate Marsh, Nor." What became of the specimens taken by
Haworth and his contemporaries is quite unknown ; the four examples
of this beetle in Stephens' Collection are, as is there usual, without
labels.
II.
Mr. Edwards, in his Fauna of Norfolk : Coleoptera (Trans. Nor-
folk and Norwich Nat. Soc. 1893, p. 433), quotes Stephens and adds:
"April, in drills, Halvergate Marshes (Curtis). Burgh marshes,
very rare (Paget). This well-known Scotch species was evidently
distributed by Bobert Scales to the collectors of his day from Halver-
gate, where he resided for a few years prior to 1812 ; but beyond the
foregoing notices there is no other record of its ever having occurred
in England." In the same paper (lib. cit. p. 427) Mr. Edwards reverts
to lib. cit. vol. IV, 1885, p. 97-109, where •• we find Eobert Scales
1914.] C)9
sending to William Spenee from Halvergate Carabus clathratus, an insect
only found nowadays in Scotland and Ireland."
C. and J. Paget in their "Sketch of the Natural History of Great
Yarmouth and its Neighbourhood," 1834, also record the species from
Belton Bog, which is in Suffolk, in June ; and we find a second record
from Bungay in the same county in the last volume of Morris'
Naturalist, 1858, p. 16 : " Carabus clathratus. — Once by my father, a
few years ago, close to the town, and is now in our collection.
W. Garuess." [This is Dr. W. Garneys of Repton, the friend of
Canon Fowler and Dr. Mason, who died in 1881, and whose collection,
upon the death of his widow (since 1905) passed into the former's
Lands. Canon Fowler has been so good as to tell me that there was
at that time specimens of neither C. clathratus nor peculiar forms of
C. gramdatux, which might have been mistaken for it, in the collec-
tion]. Edwards quotes this in brackets (Trans. Norf. Soc, 1899,
p. 521) ; and both the county records are referred to by me in " The
Coleoptera of Suffolk" (J H. Keys, Plymouth), 1899, p. 1. They
appear to have been overlooked or considered too doubtful for re-
production in Fowler's "Col. Brit. Isles," 1, 1887, where the Halvergate
record is accredited to Stephens ; but in the Supplement of 1913 both
are entered. Excluding Scales' obscure captures, we have approximately
the dates : Haworth at Halvergate, in 1809 ; the Pagets at Burgh and
Belton, in 1833 ; and Grarneys at Bungay, in 1855.
The only entirely satisfactory method of proving these (at least)
four specimens to have been erroneously determined is by examination
of the individuals in question ; and this is, in the circumstances,
obviously impossible nowadays — even the latest example has dis-
appeared. But we may, in a negative method, show at least the
extreme improbability (in my own mind it amounts to impossibility)
of the occurrence of Carabus clathratus in East Anglia. It is not im-
possible, though improbable, that Thomas Marsham did not know the
species ; both the Pagets were little more than boys, and Gfarneys in
1855 only twenty-three years of age. Marsham obviously relied
largely for his determination upon > Panzer's figure, which certainly
refers to the species under discussion [Panz., Faun. Insect. German.,
lift, 75 (1801), No. 1].
That one of our other species, or a peculiar form of one, was mis-
named is far from being impossible : Mr. Newbery writes to me that
in 1913, at Potter Heigham, in the Norfolk Broads, he took " a re-
markable Carabus in a haycock. I make it a large, bright, brassy
1 2
100
[April, 1914.
variety of C. granulans. At first sight it looks different to any
British species, though it can hardly have been mistaken for C clath-
ratus, unless the finder had never seen the latter" ; which was by no
means improbable in all the above four cases. Large dark C granu-
lans, such as those in the British Museum from Dartmoor, are not
dissimilar to Panzer's figure.
III.
" Carabus dailwatus is not a beetle easily overlooked, and would
probably have been discoverd if it existed in Wales, where areas
apparently eminently suitable for it are abundant," says W E Sharp
(Entom. Eec. 1901, p. 204). The above notices are all we have from
the whole of England, and J. J. Walker's statement that "it is cer-
tainly not a species of common occurrence in England (judging from
the few specimens I have seen in collections)," Ent, Mo. Mag., XVII
1880, p. 42, is too indefinite to be of any bearing on the question.
"It is well known that this grand Carabus is no rarity in some
parts of Ireland," he very truly says (loc. cit.) ; Fowler, in 1887
mentions:Enniskerry, Westport, and Donegal, though in 1913 he con-
siders it widely distributed throughout Ireland, probably on the full
data supplied in Johnson and Halbert's Irish List, of 1902 ; the latter
authors record it in the "Terrestrial Coleoptera of Clare Island"
(Proc. E. Irish Acad. 1912, p. 3) from Clare Island, Achill Island
Inmsbofin, Doo Lough, Louisburgh, Innisturk and Westport, but con-
sider its distribution to be northern. It may be commoner there
though by no means unknown in the south, for the Dublin Museum
contains it from Eoundstone, in 1896 ; Earteen bog at Limerick
in 1901 ; Leenane, in 1897 ; Eathlin, in 1897 ; the Great Sugar Loaf'
m 1897; Croaghmore and some of the above-mentioned localities'
Further south-west it is certainly rare, and we failed to see it at all in
Waterford, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, or Dublin, during a six weeks
visit last summer, though Mr. Bullock of Killarney, showed us one he
himself had captured beneath a stone on peat, about 800 feet up Bull
Mountain, at the Cap of Dunloe (where we spent two hours' fruitless
search for it), and another from Calway. The British Museum has it
from Kerry Hill, October, 1885 (Power), and Kerry Mountains 1877
(J. A. Brewer). Haliday's MSB., preserved at Dublin, tell us it used
to occur in " Connemara peat bogs passim," etc. (for other Irish
records, cf. Ent. Eec, 1902, p. 240; Ent. Mo. Mag., XVII 1880
p. 42 ; XXVIII, 1892, p. 311 ; XXXVIII, 1902, p. 178 ; etc ) '
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CONTENTS. page
Synopsis of the British forms of the Andrena minutula group (continued). —
R. C. L. Perkins, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S 73
An excursion to Southern Tunisia, with notes on some of the Coleoptera, &c.,
met with (concluded). — G. C. Champion, F.Z.S 76
Philhydrus halophilus, Bedel: an addition to the British List of Coleoptera.
— E. A. Newbery 79
Notes on British Philydrus — D. Sharp, M.A., FR.S 80
A note on the British species of Sphseridium, F .(with figures). — Norman B.
Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S 83
Anthicus bifasciatus, Rossi : a species new to Britain. — J. C. F. and B. F.
Fryer 84
Coleoptera in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire (continued). B. Fortescue
Fryer, F.E.S 85
Some records of Scottish Siphonaptera. — Rev. James Waterston, B.D., B.Sc. . 88
Another new Order of Insects 91
Scopseus rubidus of British Collections : synonymical note. — E. A. Netvbery... 91
Ocyusa defecta, Eey, in Westmorland.— J7. B. Day, F.E.S 92
Proteinus limbatus, Wahlb. (crenulatus, Pand.), in Westmorland and Cum-
berland.— Id • 92
Aradus lawsoni, Saunders — synonymical note. — G. C. Champion, F.Z.S 92
Synonymy of Neonurus halidaii, Marsh., with Elasmosomaberolinense, Euthe.
— Claude Morleif, F.Z.S 93
A humble-bee attacked by a Dipteron. — Nelson M. Richardson, B.A 93
A chloroform killing and relaxing bottle. — G. V. Budson, F.E.S 94
Wet seasons and Acarid parasites on insects. — Id 94
Change of name for Andrena ambigua, Perk. — R. C. L. Perkins, D.Sc, M.A.,
F.E.S 95
Review. — " Second Supplement to the Lepidoptera of the Isle of Purbeck,"
by Nelson M. Eichardson, B.A 95
Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 95
South London Entomological Society 97
The distribution of Carabus clathratus, L., with an attempt to confute the
record of its occurrence in England. — Claude Morley, F.Z.S 97
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May, 1914] 101
The Scots records are much less numerous and it is said to be
" local, but rather widely distributed, Lowlands and Highlands, Clyde,
Argyle, Dee, Sutherland ; abundant in Mull, Hebrides," and not un-
common in the I. of Tiree, by Fowler. The northern localities are also
given in Sharp's Coleoptera of Scotland ; and in the British Museum
is one from the Orkney Isles in his collection. Grimshaw tells me
there is a good series in the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art
(for other Scots records, cf. Ent, Mo. Mag., XXXI, 1895, p. 183
[melanic] ; XXXVII, 1901, p. 279 ; etc.). Two of the six examples
in the Power Collection are from Morris Young, probably from Paisley.
According to Eeitter the var. jansoni is a small form occurring in
Scotland.
Its distribution in the Paloearctic region is very wide, though I find
no records outside Europe. Seidlitz in 1891 terms it " Im. nordl. u. mittl.
Eur., b. uns. selten" ; the last European Catalogue by Hey den, Eeitter
and Weise, in 1906, gives the range of Limnocarabus clathratus, L., as
north and central Europe, and its six varieties from " G-ermania,
Dania, Lenkoran on the Caspian sea coast, the Caucasus, and Aries in
G-allia." Barthe, in " Miscell. Entom. Narbonne," gives Northern
and Central Europe as far as Upper Italy in the south, and the
Caucasus in the east ; and Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, Savoy, and
a number of French localities as its Gallo-Bhenish distribution. In
" Fauna Germanica," I, 1908, Eeitter details " Saxony, Magdeburg,
Nassau, Upper Silesia," and a variety from Borkum. Bertolini in his
" Catalogo Coleott. d'ltalia," of 1904, details " Trentino, Veneto,
Toscana, Liguria." It is evidently common in Siberia from Heyden's
remarks in his " Catalog der Coleopteren von Sibirien," of 1880 ; but it
does not seem to extend to the Peninsula, as it is not included in
Oliveira's " Catalogue des Insectes du Portugal " ; nor is it found in
either Madeira or the Canary Islands.
IV,
This distribution, so far from showing that the species in unlikely
to occur in England, goes to prove us to be surrounded by it on all
sides. Certainly " the occurrence of Carabus clathratus in Norfolk, if
it rested on absolutely unimpeachable evidence, would undoubtedly be
a trace of [species' emigration from south-east to north-west], but
hardly sufficient to prove that this species reached Donegal and the
Hebrides via East Anglia," as W. E. Sharp explains (Hint, Eec, 1901,
p. 203).
ii i
I MAY 7 1914 )J
102 tMfty
That the insect does not now occur in East Anglia I have not the
least hesitation in stating to be absolutely certain. I have collected in
Suffolk for over twenty years, and have shown (" Essex Naturalist,"
XIV, 1905, p. 61) in " The Beetles of the Eastern Counties," the total
species recorded from Essex to then be 1,649; from Norfolk, 1,803;
and from Suffolk, 1,900; so the supposition that it could have been
overlooked is unthinkable.
That it ever occurred here is very nearly as improbable. In
Ireland it appears to be nearly confined to, or at least most usually
captured on, peat at considerable altitudes* ; and there to be attached
to a situation, such as the underside of large stones lying on the top
of low turf walls of a foot or two in height ; in such a place I have
taken it myself on Clare Island. But in East Anglia no similar
situation is to be found, and the three localities instanced are all
practically on sea-level. The Burgh Marshes are about four miles
inland from Yarmouth, and Belton little more than a mile to the south
of them ; Halvergate marshes are some three miles to the W.N.W. of
these, and Bungay about a dozen miles due S.W. ; but, be it noted, all
are on the banks of, or connected by dykes with the same river, the
Waveney, which debouches into the Yare at Burgb. Mr. E. A. Elliott
and I have not infrequently collected at Bungay, Belton, and Burgh,
without finding a trace of the present species anywhere in Suffolk, or
in the parts of Norfolk, Essex, Cambs., Herts, Northants, or Lines.,
visited at odd times.
Last autumn I made a pilgrimage to its reputed home at
Halvergate. " To Marshes " says the sign- board at the cross-roads ;
and truly. As far as the eye can see in this direction is a flat
waste, unrelieved by a single cottage or tree, stretching away to
distant misty windmills in a dead level, intersected only by reed-choked
dykes, connected by rough gates giving upon the cattle-marshes, and
their relative lodes. In its early morning mist it still looked what it
once was : a huge estuary, some ten miles north and south from
Stokesby to Haddiscoe, and nine miles east and west from Yarmouth,
bounded by the erstwhile Norfolk and Suffolk coasts, and here rising
very slightly to Wickhampton Church jutting into the plain to the
west of these marshes, but further south it runs inland to Beccles and
along the river to Bungay.
* Mr. John W. Ellis, M.B., F.E.S., gives a very typical locale for the species ("Field Natural-
ist's Quarterly," 1903, p. 23S) in his " Mourne Mountains and their Beetle Fauna :" he tells us
that Slieve Donard, the highest of the peaks (2796 feet), " is one of the very few localities in the
British Islands for that handsome ground-heetle, Catabus clathratus, whose violet-black body,
over an inch in length, with rows of bright coppery impressions on the wing-covers, must make
it a conspicuous object on its nativ< hillsides. The search for this insect formed the raison d'etre
of our visit to the Mourne Mountains last Easter."
ion.] 103
Peewits, larks, and pied wagtails were everywhere. The common-
est plants were stunted Epilobmm, Mentha, Galium palustre, Spar-
ganiivm ramosvm, common dock, Plantago lanceolata, Potamogeton,
Myosotis palustris, ScropJiularia, a lot of (doubtless) imported creeping
thistles and a few clumps of imported nettles. On these and the
cattle-droppings Scatophaga stercoraria swarmed ; and some assiduous
sweeping in the dykes was productive only of such ubiquitous things as
Xantholinus linearis, Apion radiolus, Coccinella 19-punctata, Aphthona
nonstriata, Telmatophilus ca/ricis, and Thyamis lurida ; Anthocoris
aylvestris, Philaenus spumarius, Tettigonia viridis, and Cicadula sex-
notata ; Phygadeuon fumator and Promethus sulcator ; Limnophilus
lunatas ; Opomyza germinationis, Lonchoptera lacustris, Limnia un-
guicornis, Seiara thomse, Spilogaster communis, Norellia spinimana,
Elgiva rufa, and E. lineata ; none of which, I fancy, are the associates
of our Carabus on his Irish mountains !
It is, indeed, a dreary and desolate spot, but two feet above sea-
level ; a natter and more man-forsaken one could only be found in
Holland, and one less likely to be favoured by Carabus clatliratus can
nowhere be imagined, productive only of a few cattle, the windmills
and its everlasting wind, now balmy and tempered by the autumn
sunshine, but in winter roaring across these flats with icy vehemence.
Monk Soham House, Suffolk :
December, 1913.
A NEW SPECIES OF HELOPHORUS.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., F.R.S.
Helophorus ytenensis, sp. n.
Minutus, convexus, niger, capite thoraceque metallicis, palpis, antennarum basi
pedibusque testaceis, palporum tarsorumque articulis tenninalibus apicem versus,
nigricantibus ; thorace fortiter granuloso, stdcis avgustis ; elytris sordide testaceis,
vage parceque nigro-maculatis, profunde fortiterque punctato-striatis, interstitiis
angustis, pequalibus ; alls latis sed abbreviates. Long., 2\ mm.
This species is extremely similar to H. granulans, but is readily
distinguished from it, and from all other species of the genus yet
known by the peculiar wings.
In Britain the species appears to be much less rare than H. granu-
laris. I first met with it at Cairn Water, Dumfries-shire, in April,
1869, and have always considered the single example then found to be
I 2
104 cMay.
H. granularis. The species occurs here in the old marl-pits found in
the district, in several places : it has been found plentifully in the
North of Ireland by Mr. Balfour Browne — who like myself did not
distinguish it from granularis — and it has also been met with at
Padstow by Mr. Lamb. I have examined the wings of many examples,
and they are quite the same from all the localities.
H. granularis appears to be very rare in this country ; I found it
between Strood and Rainham jn February, 1867, but only a single ex-
ample, and Mr. Balfour Browne has found it very sparingly in Donegal,
Ireland. These specimens quite agree with examples of " H. granularis "
sent from Sweden by Professor Sahlberg.
H. ytenensis varies somewhat in size and form, but maintains the
peculiar wings with remakable pertinacity. The Irish specimens are
rather larger and more robust than those found hei*e, and the legs and
palpi are a little shorter and stouter.
Brockenhurst :
April Uth, 1914.
MALTHODES CRASS1CORNIS, Maklin. : A NEW BRITISH BEETLE.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.E.C.S., F.E.S.
Last year Mr. P. Harwood kindly gave me a specimen of supposed
Malthodes nigellus, Kies., which he had taken in June, 1911, near
Bishops Stortford, Essex. As it happened to be a male, I compared
the external male organs with the excellent drawings given by Reitter
in his " Fauna Germanica, Kafer," Vol. Ill, p. 272, and had no
difficulty in identifying it as M. crassicornis, Makl. This species is
very closely allied to M. brevieollis, Payk. (nigellus, Kies.), but the
male has the last dorsal segment of the hind body simple, and not
bifid, and the last ventral segment much longer and broader. My
specimen differs from a female of M. brevieollis, identified by the
late Herr Ganglbauer, and lent to me by Mr. Tomlin, in having the
thorax distinctly less transverse and the front angles more prominent.
Bradfield :
April 9th, 1914.
1914.] ]Q5
ON ANCHOMENUS ATBATUS, Panz., AND A. DAHLI, Bobre.
BY E. A. NEWBEET.
In the year 1879, M. Preudhomme de Borre, in a valuable treatise
on the Anchomenini (Ann. Soc. Ent. Belg. 1879, 55), defined an
Anchomenus, as at least a good variety, under the name of var. dahli.
This insect had been mentioned before by other authors ; it is the
atratus of Fairmaire and Laboulbene (Fn. France, i. 76) and the
pusillus of Schaum, but this name is preoccupied in the genus and
cannot stand. Modern authors consider A. dahli to be a good species.
Eeitter (Fauna Germanica, I, 141) separates the two thus : —
Thorax broader than long, strongly contracted behind ; elytra somewhat
short oval, flatly arched. Length 7-8 mm. (A. niger, Dej., atratus, Fairm.,
pusillus, Schaum).— Indigenous in the west and south of Europe, and probably
also in West Germany, but hitherto mistaken for, or confused with, atratus
...dahli, Borre.
Thorax narrow, as long as, or a little longer than, broad, not strongly con-
tracted behind, with the hind angles scarcely indicated ; elytra long oval.
Larger, more slender species, easily distinguished by its long narrow thorax.
Length 8-9.5 mm. (A. lucidus. Fairm., laterale, Redt., menetriesi, Fald.) — In
the south part of middle Europe, in salt marshes. Not yet recorded with
certainty from Germany, but probably indigenous in Bavaria . . . atratus, Duf t.
I have omitted in the above table certain characters given by
Eeitter which are common to both species. Ganglbauer states that
the short longitudinal impression near the apex of the fifth elytral stria,
which is present in atratus, is wanting in dahli. I do not find this
character constant, and it is probably for this reason that Beitter does
not mention it. Ganglbauer and some other authors say that the
elytral striae in dahli are stronger than those of atratus. Judging by
a specimen of the latter sent me by Capt. Deville, which agrees well
with the characters given in the above table, I find the reverse to be
the case ; the interstices are also more raised and the body more shining.
As regards the geographical distribution, M. de Borre attributes
A. dahli to England and France. It is also found in Italy, and
probably the atratus of the more northern regions should be referred
to this species. A. atratus appears to be a Mediterranean species which
has not yet been found in England, nor does it appear very probable
that it will be. It occurs in the south of France, Italy, Sicily, Greece,
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco (Tangier). The localities given by
Fowler (Col. Brit. Vol. I, 91) must be considered as applying to dahli.
A specimen taken in Cumberland by Mr. Day is quite typical, but the
106 [May.
insect which occurs on the bants of the Thames between Putney and
Kew is regarded by Capt. Deville as a variety
13, Oppidans Road, N.W. :
April 9th, 1914.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE SPECIFIC CHARACTERS
Of HOMALOTA (BESSOBIA) OCCULTA, AND H. FUNGIVORA, &C.
BY J. H. KEYS, F.E.S.
During October and the early part of November last, I obtained
18 male and 27 female specimens of H. fungivora, Th.,from dead birds
set as traps in a garden at Yelverton, South Devon. Two males and
three females of H. occulta, Er., and three of each sex of H. monticola,
Th., were also taken. In addition I possessed a few examples in
my collection. With this considerable amount of material it seemed
desirable to examine the species, with especial reference to the females
of occulta and Jungivora, as neither Fowler nor Ganglbauer describes
the latter form, and the recently published synopsis of the tribe by
Cameron (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1913, p. 301) also lacks details of it.
However, Thomson's description is given in Mulsant and Eey's
Myrmedoniaires, Pt, II, p. 139, namely that the 7th (i.e., the 8th)
dorsal segment is simple and rounded. My specimens agreed with
this description, and an additional character which I discovered in the
9th segment and have recorded below seems quite confirmatory of this
distinction for fungivora, in contrast to the emarginate 8th segment in
occulta, female. In occulta, male, the formation of the posterior raised
line of the 8th segment (Fig. 1) appears to me to be different in
character from that of male fungivora, and suggests a geometrical
pattern formed by two arcs of circles joined end to end. That of
fungivora may be nearly straight across and more or less indefinitely
notched in the centre, or may be varied in form as sketched
below. Indeed I observed so great a variation in the configuration
of these lines in the examples under notice (Figs. 2 — 6), — in some
cases distinct clear-cut notches being present in the middle thereof, —
that I suspected the possibility of another species being mixed with
them. However, on extracting the genitalia (Fig. 10) of many speci-
mens selected for their diversity in the point in question, I could detect
no differences in their structure. It therefore seems that the species
is variable to a very interesting degree in its secondary male characters.
The genitalia of occulta, (Fig.- 9) are quite unlike those of the last
1914] !07
named insect ; and if there still be any doubt that H.fungivora should
rank as a species, a comparison of these organs should dispel it.
Fig. 11 is a diagram of the genitalia of H. monticola male, a species
unmistakeable by reason of its distinctive secondary characters. The
sketch is added merely to complete the trio. The square elytra of the
females of this species enable one pretty readily to separate them from
the females of occulta and fungivora, in which these organs are oblong,
but, when I commenced the examination, I did not find the two latter
species very easy to distinguish the one from the other. Apparently
this is not an uncommon experience, as I have females of occulta which
were sent to me some time recently as fungivora. The following
characters may therefore be found useful for purposes of identi-
fication : —
1. Eighth dorsal segment narrowly and distinctly emarginate in middle
of hind margin ; ninth dorsal segment with central lobe truncate, or
at most with a slight trace of a tooth (Fig. 7) occulta, ? .
2. Eighth dorsal segment completely rounded or sometimes almost im-
perceptibly truncate in middle ; ninth dorsal segment with central
lobe triangularly produced in middle (Fig. 8) .fungivora, ? .
H. monticola, female, has the 8th segment more widely and dis-
tinctly emarginate than in occulta, and the lobe of the 9th produced
as in fungivora. The males of all three species have the lobe truncate.
Comparison of length of occulta with fungivora is not a reliable
character, as some of my examples of the latter were fully 3| mm.
long.
The female genitalia of these species, or at all events, of occulta
and fungivora, I found to be almost entirely membranous, and there-
fore unavailable for specific purposes.
Figs. 1 — 6 are all of the same magnification, but the side lines
are abbreviated by about one-half ; 7 and 8 are of equal magni-
fication ; 9, 10, and 11 are also equally magnified, but more
highly than the other figures.
7, Whim pie Street,
Plymouth :
February 21st, 1914,
108
['May,
A MELOID "TRIUNGULIN" ATTACHED TO A TELEPHOEID.
BY G. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S.
On mounting some specimens of the common North African
Rhagonycha barbara, F., captured by myself at Carthage, Tunis, last
May, a " triungulin " was found attached to the membranous space
between the head and pronotum of one of them. This insect was so
firmly fixed by the mandibles to the Telephorid that tweezers were
required to remove it, The " triungulin " was soon afterwards placed
in Canada balsam and photographed, so that certain points of structure
could be properly seen. It could not be identified from Beauregard's
" Les Insectes Vesicants " (in which the larval stages of various Meloid
genera are figured, including one or two triungulins with a single
tarsal claw), or from any other work in my possession. A copy of the
photograph was therefore sent to M. P. de Peyerimhoff and Dr. Cros,
resident entomologists in Algeria, who have made Coleopterous larvae
their special study, for their opinion. Dr. Cros, through M. Peyerimhoff,
writes me as follows : " Your photograph represents, without doubt, the
triungulin of a Meloe, probably
of M. tuccius (or perhaps M. mu-
rium), as shown by the form of
the antennae, feet, and claws, the
channel of dehiscence visible
upon the pro- and mesothorax,
etc . Th e terminal hairs are want-
ing in your example (doubtless
broken off in mounting), but
their points of insertion, how-
ever, can be seen upon the two
flattened tubercles arising from
the last segment." The accom-
panying figure is taken from the
photograph made for me by
Mr. A. Cant, x 50. It may be
observed that the triungulin of
M. proscarabseus, as its name
implies, has three tarsal claws, whereas in the M. tuccius ? one claw
only is present. I have not come across any record as yet of a Meloid
triungulin being carried by a Telephorid beetle, and the present
capture is therefore worthy of note.
Horsell, Woking :
April, 1914.
1914.] 1Q9
COLEOPTERA IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND HUNTINGDONSHIRE.
BY H. FORTESCUE FRYER, F.E.S.
(Concluded from p. 88.)
TeNEBRIONIDjE.
Heledona agaricola, Hbst., and Scaphidema metallicum, F. — Chatteris,
Holwoods. Alphitophagus bifasciatus, Say. — Holwoods. Tenebrio molitov, L. —
Chatteris; obscurus, F., Alpthitobius piceus, 01., and Hypophlceus bicolor, 01. —
Cambridge.
Lagriid^.
Lagria hirta, L. — Chatteris.
Cistelid^.
Cistela ceramboides, L.* — Holwoods. Cteniopus sulphureus, L. — Chippenham.
Melandryid^.
Tetratoma fungorum, F. — Chatteris, Warboys. Orchesia micans, Pz. —
Chatteris. Conopalpus testaceus, 01.*— Chatteris. Osphya bijmnctata, F. —
Warboys.
PYTHIDiE.
Rhinosimus viridix>ennis, Steph. — Chatteris; planirostris, F.— Chatteris,
Monks Wood.
Oedemerid^.
Nacerdes melanura, L., and Ischnomera ccerulea, L. — Chatteris.
PYROCHROIDiE.
Pyrochroa serraticomis, Scop. — Chatteris, Holwoods.
MORDELLID^.
Mordella fasciata, F., Mordellistena abdominalis, F.,* and humeralis, L. —
Warboys. Anaspis frontalis, L. - Chatteris, Warboys; geoffroyi, Mull. —
Chatteris, Horseway; ruficollis, F.— Chatteris, Warboys, Wood Walton; sub-
test acea, Steph. — Chatteris, Wood Walton ; costx, Emery. — Chatteris ; maculata,
Fourc. — Chatteris, Holwoods.
Anthicid^.
Anthicus floralis, L. — Holwoods, St. Neots ; antherinus, L. — -Chatteris,
Holwoods.
Xylophilid^:.
Xylophilus populneus, Pz. — Chatteris ; oculatus, Gyll.* — Chatteris.
MeLOIDjE.
Melo'e proscarabseus, L. — Holwoods.
110 [May,
Anthribidje.
Brachytarsus fasciatus, Forst. — Chatteris ; varius, F. — Warboys.*
Curculionidje.
Apoderus coryli, L. — Warboys Rhynchites lequatus, L. — Chatteris,
Cambridge, Warboys ; mneovirens, Marsh., and cceruleus, De G. — Warboys ;
minutus, Hbst. — Horseway, Warboys, Kimbolton. Deporaus betulse, L. — War-
boys. Apion pomon/e, ¥.-- Doddington, Warboys; ulicis, Forst. — Doddington,
Old Hurst: urticarium, Hbst.* Chatteris; miniatum, Germ. — Doddington,
Warboys : cruentatum, Walt., hsematodes, L., rubens, Steph., and rufirostre, F. —
Chatteris ; vicise, Pk. — Horseway ; difforme, Germ., and dissimile, Germ.* —
Chatteris ; apricans, Hbst. — Chatteris, Warboys ; assimile, Kirb. - Chatteris,
Holwoods, Kimbolton ; trifolii, L.— Chatteris, Melbourn, Old Hurst; dichroum,
Bed.— generally distributed ; nigritarse, Kirb., and mneum, F. — Chatteris ;
radiolus, Kirb. — Chatteris, Holwoods ; onopordi, Kirb. — Chatteris, Old Hurst ;
carduorum, Kirb. — Chatteris, Arrington ; vicinum, Kirb.* — Chippenham; wrens,
Hbst. — Holwoods, Alconbury ; pisi, F. — Fleam Dyke, Warboys ; sethiops, Hbst.
— Horseway, Kimbolton ; ononis, Kirb.* — Chatteris Turf Fen ; ervi, Kirb. —
Chatteris; vorax, Hbst. — Chatteris, Warboys, Doddington ; gyllenhali, Kirb. —
Melbourn; loti, Kirb. — Chatteris, Holwoods, Melbourn; seniculum, Kirb. —
Chatteris, Cambridge ; violaceum, Kirb. — Chatteris, Wood Walton; hydrolapathi,
Kirb. — Chatteris, Kimbolton; marchicum, Hbst. — Holwoods; humile, Germ. —
Chatteris, Fleam Dyke, Holwoods. Otiorrhynchus atroapterus, De G.* —
Holwoods ; picipes, C, and salcatus, F. — Chatteris. Strophosomus coryli, ¥.,
Exomias araneiformis, Schr. — Chatteris, Warboys. Sciaphilus muricatus, F. —
Doddington, Warboys, Old Hurst. Tropiphorus tomentosus, Marsh. — Chatteris,
Warboys. Liophlceus nubilus, F. —Chatteris, Mepal. Polydrusus pterygomalis,
Boh., and Phyllobius oblongus,Jj. — Chatteris, Warboys; urticse, De G. — Chatteris ;
pyri, L.— generally distributed ; argentatus, L. — Chatteris; pomonse, 01. —
Chatteris Acre Fen; viridiaeris, Laich— Holwoods, Fleam Dyke; viridicollis, F.
— Mepal. Barynotus obscurus, F. — Mepal. Sitones regensteinensis, Hbst. —
Holwoods; crinitus, Hbst. — Warboys ; hispidulus, F.- Cambridge ; humeralis,
Steph.*— Arrington; flavescens, Marsh.— Old Hurst; puncticollis, Steph. —
Chatteris; suturalis, Steph. — Fleam Dyke, Warboys; lineatus, L.— Chatteris,
Warboys; sulcifrons, Thunb.— Chatteris, Wicken, Old Hurst. Hypera punctata,
F. — Chatteris; rumicis, L. — Doddington, Warboys ; polygoni, L. — Chatteris,
Doddington,Wood Walton ; suspiciosa, Hbst. — Chatteris (old record) ; variabilis,
Hbst. — Holwoods; 2^a^tag'i'nis, De G.— Chattel is, Holwoods ; trilineat a, Marsh.*
— Chatteris; nigrirostris, F.— Chatteris, Warboys. Lixus jparaplecticus, L. —
Wicken. Orchestes quercus, L. — Chatteris, Warboys; alni, L.— Chatteris,
Chippenham, Warboys ; ilicis, F. — Chatteris, Doddington, Warboys; avellanse,
Don.* — Doddington; fagi, L. — Holwoods, Cambridge; iota, F. - Chatteris ;
stigma, Germ. - Chatteris, Warboys ; salicis, L. — Warboys, Wood Walton.
Ort hochsetes setiger, Beck.* — Chatteris. Grypidius equiseti, F. — Mepal. Erirrhinus
bimaculatus,F. — Holwoods, Mepal (moles' nests) ; acridulus, L. —Holwoods, Mepal.
1«1«]. lit
Thryogenes nereis, Pk. — Holwoods, Horseway: scirrhosus, Gy 11.— Chatteris.
Dorytomus vorax, F., tortrix, L., and hirtipennis, Bed.— Holwoods ; maculatus,
Marsh. - Warboys ; melanophthalmus, Pk., and pectoralis, Gyll. — Wood Walton.
Tanysphyrus lemnse, F. — Warboys. Bagous alismatis, Marsh. — Chatteris, Hol-
woods ; tempestivus, Hbst., and lutosus, Gyll. — Chatteris. Tychius tibialis, Boh. —
Doddington, Fleam Dyke ; pygmseus, Bris. — Doddington, Holwoods. Miccotrogus
picirostris, F. — Holwoods. Gymnetron beccabungse, L.* — Hemingford. Mecinus
pyraster, Hbst. - Chatteris, Warboys, Wood Walton. Anthonomus ulmi, De G.,
and rosime, Des Gozis. — Chatteris, St. Ives ; pomorum, L. — Chatteris ; pedi-
cularius, L. — Colne Drove, Wood Walton; rubi, Hbst. - Chatteris, Madingley.
Nanophyes lythri, F. - Holwoods, Wieken, Wood Walton. Cionus scrophulwrix, L.,
hortulanus, Marsh., and pulchellus, Hbst. — Warboys. Cryptqrrhynchus lapathi, L.
— Holwoods. Acalles roboris, Curt., and turbatus, Boh. - Doddington. Cceliodes
rubicundus, Hbst. — Holwoods, Wai'boys ; quercus, F., and erythroleucus, Gmel. —
Warboys ; quadrimaculatus, L. — generally distributed ; cardui, Hbst. — Chatteris,
Warboys. Poophagus sisymbrii, F. — Holwoods. Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Pk. —
Holwoods, Warboys ; erysimi, F. - Doddington, Holwoods, Warboys ; contractus,
Marsh. — Holwoods, Warboys ; quadridens, Pk. — generally distributed ; polli-
narius, Forst., and viduatus, Gyll. - Chatteris Acre Fen, Holwoods ; angulosus,
Boh. — Holwoods, Mepal ; pleurostigma, Marsh. — Chatteris Acre Fen, Holwoods ;
rapse, Gyll. — Chatteris ; marginatus, Pk. — Chatteris, Warboys ; rugulosus, Hbst.
— Doddington ; melanostictus, Marsh.* — Wood Walton ; asperifoliarum, Gyll. —
Holwoods ; chrysanthemi, Germ.* — Wood Walton ; litwra, F. — Chatteris.
Ceuthorrlvynchidius fioralis, Pk.— Holwoods, Warboys ; pyrrhorhynchus, Marsh. —
Chatteris Acre Fen ; troglodytes, F. — Chatteris. Rhinoncus gramineus, F. —
Chatteris; perpendicularis, Eeich. — Chatteris, Mepal ; castor, F. — Mepal, Wood
Walton ; bruchoides, Hbst. — Holwoods. Phytobius 4-tuberculatus, F.— Wim-
blington, Wood Walton ; canalirulatus, Fahr. — Holwoods. Limnobaris T-album,
L. — Wieken, St. Ovests. Baris laUcollis, Marsh.* — Wieken. Balaninus venosus,
Grav. - Doddington, Warboys; turbatus., Gyll.— Chatteris, Warboys ; nucum, L.,
and villosus, F.— Warboys ; salicivorus Pk. — Holwoods, Mepal, Warboys. Cos-
sonus ferrugineus, Clairv. — Chatteris. Rhyncolus lignarius, Marsh. — Holwoods.
Magdalis armigera, Pourc, and cerasi, L.* — Chatteris ; barbicornis, Latr.* —
Chippenham. Scolytus destructor, 01., pruni, Eatz., intricatus, Ratz., and multi-
striatus, Marsh. — Chatteris. Hylesinus fraxini, Pz. — Chatteris, Warboys ;
vittatus, F.— Holwoods. Myelophilus piniperda, L. — Chippenham. Dryocwtes
villosus, F. — Warboys.
The Priory, Chatteris:
September 8th, 1913.
112 [Ma>*.
SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH FORMS OF THE ANDRENA MINUTULA
GROUP.
BY R. C. L. PERKINS, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S.
{Continued from p. 75).
It will never be easy for the Hymenopterist to distinguish the
species of these small bees with certainty, unless he makes a special
study of fairly extensive material. When the distinctions are
thoroughly grasped, they are really not particularly difficult, and the
difficulty is due to the variability of all, or nearly all, our species. It
is this variability that makes them so difficult to tabulate, even when
one can recognise the various forms with certainty and on a very brief
inspection. I do not think any useful purpose would be served by
giving detailed descriptions of the species, as most of the important
characters are shown in the tables already published, but the following
notes may be of service.
A. nana, Kirby (nee Smith, E. Saund.) = schenckella, Perez.
Only known to me as British by Kirby's type specimen, but it will no
doubt be sooner or later found in numbers. The ? by its shining first
and second abdominal segments, the latter very densely and distinctly
punctured with the apical margin rugulose, and bearing shallow and
rather large scattered punctures, is unmistakeable ; the g has the
basal abdominal segment smooth or polished between the punctures,
as in alfkenella alone of our British species, but the latter has the
apical impressions of the following segments shining and not dull from
distinct surface sculpture.
A. alfkenella, sp. n. (= sp. /3 of my former paper). The <$
resembles the preceding in the character above mentioned and is super-
ficially extremely like some examples of minutuloides, but the latter
always has the general surface of the 1st and 2nd segments rugulose.
It is even more like the continental A. niveata, Friese (which through
the kindness of Herr J. D. Alfken I have been able to examine), since
that species also has the basal abdominal segments shining, but in
niveata the ventral segments are dull and more granulate. A.
saundersella <$ has the basal segments rugulose. The ? of alfkenella
somewhat resembles that of spreta, Perez, when the latter has become
abraded, but the feeble apical impressions of the 2nd and 3rd abdom-
inal segments at once separate it. It should be said that the $ of
niveata, Friese (nee E. Saund.), has no resemblance to that of alfkenella
in spite of the similarity of the J1 . This bee appears during the first
half of July, and I have only taken it on Umbelliferse. It is a coastal
19141 H3
or heath-loving species, rather than a frequenter of meadow land or
cultivated places.
A. spreta, Perez (= niveata, E. Saund., necFriese) is distinguished
at a glance from any of our species by the deep apical impressions of
the abdominal segments with their very densely, minutely punctate or
granular-like, dull surface. This is mostly a coastal or heath-loving
species, but occurs in the fens also.
A. saundersella (== nana, Smith, Saunders) in the ? is distinct
from all others by the deep shining impression of the third abdominal
segment ; that of the second is also generally much smoother than in
other species. The $ is most like minutuloides, which often has a
plentiful abdominal punctui'ation, but the clypeal hairs are of a different
character, longer and less erect, giving it a quite distinct appearance.
In this species the rugosities of the propodeal area are usually
abbreviated, often very much so, but occasionally they reach the brow,
In minutuloides they are still more variable.
A. moricella, sp. n. — In the $ of this species the face is clothed
with long black or sooty hairs, as in typical parvula, Kirby, and I can
add nothing to the characters given in the table. I have not taken
examples of this species in cop., and so cannot be sure that the $ is
correctly assigned. As Herr Alfken has found a very similar ? in
Germany, the <$ of which is quite different from moricella, I have
taken the J as the type of my species. One of the ? ? was taken
on the same patch of daisies as the <$ , no other species occurring at
the time except saundersella. I have seen but few examples, all told,
of this form.
A. subopaca, Nyl. — This is the sp. a of my earlier paper, and I
have to thank Herr Alfken for preventing me from giving it a new
name, he having been able recently to examine Ny lander's type speci-
mens. The $ , which has a pale-haii'ed face, could only be confounded
with minuhda or minutuloides, but the very feeble thoracic puncturation
easily distinguishes it. The propodeal area is much more rugose
than in saundersella, The ? with impunctate abdomen resembles
only minuhda and parvula, but the very finely remotely punctured
mesonotum easily separates it. The dark appressed hairs of the 5th
abdominal segment and the dark stigma are characteristic.
A. parvula, Kirby, and minuhda, Kirby. — These are spring and
summer broods of one species, the £ of the former being unlike any
other species except moricella, as above noted. The <$ of the second
11.4 tMay-
brood, when freshly emerged, has the face clothed with brownish
hairs, and is then easily distinguished. It is, perhaps, not always
possible to distinguish between the ? $ of the two broods, but
generally the niesonotal puncturation is more distinct in the summer
form, and in very fresh examples that I have compared, the pubescence
of the middle of the face is always longer and more plentiful in the
spring brood. The $ <j> of the second brood are often extremely
numerous on the flowers of Rubus, and may occur on these quite un-
mixed with the following, even in localities, where both occur. On
Umhelliferse both are often found together.
A. minutuloides, sp. nov. All the $ <$ that I have seen have the
face clothed with very pale or whitish hairs. In both sexes the thorax
is smoother than in minutula. It appears to be rather a heath-
frequenting or upland species than the other, which is found in all
sorts of localities. It appears to me quite possible that it is the second
brood of the following. The variation in thoracic and abdominal
puncturation, as well as in the sculpture of the propodeal area makes
it most difficult to describe. I have taken the sexes in cop.
A. parvuloides, sp. nov. I have not found the sexes in cop., and
have taken the $ as the type of this form. It appears normally later
than parvula, which it greatly resembles. It is no doubt common, but
there are few specimens in the collections, I have examined. It appears
to frequent the same kind of localities as the preceding. Females of
these two are sometimes hardly separable.
In England, A. spreta, saundersella, and subopaca are very subject
to the attacks of Stylops. A. parvula is, I think, very rarely affected.
The others I have not found stylopized
I have to thank all those who have allowed me to examine their
specimens, and especially the Eev. F. D. Morice, who lent me both
his Continental and British series. From Messrs. A. H. Hamm,
J. J. F. X. King, E. B. Nevinson, and Lieut.-Col. Nurse I have also
had specimens for examination, and have further examined the ex-
tensive Cambridge Museum Collection, and those in Mr. Arnold's. I
am still further indebted to Herr J. D. Alfken, who is working at the
German species, for allowing me to send him a series of a number of
our British forms and for valuable information concerning these. My
friend Mr. A. Koebele sent me many fresh specimens from Baden.
Though Andrena proximo, Kirby, is a true member of this group of
bees, I have not thought it necessary to include it in my tables, its
1914.1 H5
comparatively large size and very distinctive mesonotal puncturation
rendering it so distinct.
Since the above was written I have examined the series of speci-
mens in the collection of the late F. Smith, and I find therein a single
? example of another species new to our list, A nanula, Nyl. This
specimen bears only the month and day of the month of its capture,
but by comparison of the label, pin, and mode of setting, I can be
practically certain that it was sent to him by Bridgman of Norwich.
Probably it was taken actually at Norwich, for some other similarly
pinned insects bear the letter " M " (no doubt, Mousehold) or
' Brundall ' written on them. Bridgman, who many years ago wrote
to me that he had great doubts of the identity of some of the species
that Saunders considered as spring and summer forms of one, sent a
number of these {bimacvlata, dorsata, afzeliella, minutula, &c.) to
Smith in 1875-77.
A. nanula, Nyl., is one of the species that bears evident, but very
fine and feeble, punctures on the abdominal segments. The mesonotum
is distinctly shining between the punctures, and the apical impressions
of the 2nd and 3rd segments are sculptured, not shining as in sauuders-
ella. It most nearly resembles moricella ? of our British forms, but the
shining mesonotum and the very conspicuous red or ferruginous colour
of nearly the whole of the flagellum of the antennee beneath, the
apical joints being also ferruginous above, separate it at once. The
mesonotum in the British specimen is less closely punctured than in
two examples received from Herr Alfken, but the latter do not agree
together in this respect. The surface of most of the basal abdominal
segment is smoother than in the allied species and rather shining. I
have not seen a $ . It is a summer species found in July and August.
Park Hill House,
Paignton : March, 1914.
SOME NOTES ON CRAMBUS LITHARGYRELLUS, Hubn., AND
C. POLIELLUS, Treitschke.
BY THE HON. N. CHARLES ROTHSCHILD, M.A., F.L.S.
Stainton (Manual, Vol. II, p. 184) includes Crambus lithargy-
rellus, Hubn., among the British species of Crambi. Subsequent
authors do not appear to have considered the inclusion of this large
Crambus in the British list to be justifiable. In the penultimate
portion of the late J. W. Tutt's collection, sold at Stevens' Auction
116 [May,
Rooms on April 23rd, 1912, lots 257 and 258, which were put up
together, contained five specimens of a Crambus, taken at Deal in
1889, which in my opinion belong to this species. Crambus lithargy-
rellus should therefore, I fancy, be regarded as a British insect. The
five specimens referred to are now in the collection of the Natural
History Museum.
The same lots contained a single specimen of Crambus poliellus,
Treitschke, taken at Deal in 1885 ; so this species also has claims to be
considered British. C. poliellus, which is essentially a sand-frequenting
insect, appears on the wing at the beginning of September, and is well
worth looking for. This specimen is also now in the collection of the
Natural History Museum.
Arundel House,
Kensington Palace Gardens, W. :
April 1th, 1914.
NOTE ON THE GENUS ABACHNOCORIS, Scott.
BY DR. E. BERGROTH, C.M.Z.S.
Scott's description of this remarkable genus of Nabidse, and of the
two species known to him, is very detailed ; but in considering it to be
" very nearly allied to Allseorliynchus Fieb.," he overlooked some of its
most important characters, and his account of the rostrum, etc., is in-
accurate. All this has been corrected by Reuter, who, in 1890, erected a
distinct subfamily for the genus. Later, after the discovery of the genus
Pararachnncoris Reut., Reuter found that it could not be separated
from the subfamily Beduviolinee. The disagreement between Scott's and
Reuter' s description of the veins of the membrane is simply due to the
fact that the venation is very inconstant in the members of this genus
and cannot be relied on even as a specific character. In the British
Museum I have seen Scott's type and the type of the Nabid Velidia
berytoides, Uhl., from the island of Grenada. This latter insect is
a very tiny form and distinct from the other species of Arachnocaris
by the beautifully banded legs ; but the generic characters are the
same, and Velidia, Uhl., must be united with Arachnocoris. Herdo-
nius (?) panamensis, Dist., also belongs to this genus, Distant having
described a Nabid as a Capsid. In rearranging the Nabidse of the
1914.] H7
British Museum, the last-named author has tacitly placed panamensis
under Arachnocoris albomaculatus, Scott, but it differs from Scott's
species, apart from other characters, by the non-incrassate middle
femora, which in albomaculatus are strongly thickened. This might,
of course, be a sexual character, but as the types of albomaculatus and
panamensis are both males, there can be no doubt that panamensis is
a distinct species. Tet the true albomaculatus occurs also in
Panama, as I have before me a specimen f rom Tabernilla (Canal Zone),
taken by Mr. A. Busck, belonging to the Washington Museum. The
following species is so distinct and easily recognised from the others
that I describe it, although the type is not in the best condition.
Arachnocoris torquatus, n. sp.
Augustus, gracilis, nitidus, piceus, capile testaceo, macula interoculari per cly-
peum continuata et lineola transversa inter ocellos piceis, hemelytris dilute livido-
testaceis,ad venashic et illic in fuscatis, fascia nonnihil ante angulum apicalem fusco-
cinereum corii picea, collari prothoracis, spinula apicali scutelli, macula triangu-
lari ad marginem apicalem corii inter fasciam anteapicalem piceam et angulum
apicalem, callo parvo ad angulum basalem metapleurse et segmentorum ventris
quattuor primorum et ad marginem lateralem segmenti hujus quinti, margine
acetabulorum orificiisque eburneis, limbo basali pronoti albido. Caput e latere
visum collari et lobo medio pronoti unitis distincte longius, fronte pilis duobus
longis tenuissimis prsedita, spatio interoculari superiore oculo uno duplo et di-
midio latiore, ocellis inter se et ab oculis seque longe remotis, articulo primo
antennarum piceo, capiti seque longo (ceteri articuli desunt), rostro piceo, basin
ventris attingente. Pronotum parce subtiliter puberulum, distincte trilobatum,
lobo apicali {collari) quam medio dimidio breviore, lobo basali quam medio duplo
et dimidio longiore, subtilissime et remote ruguloso, impressione inter lobos medium
et basalem retrorsum parum curvata. Scutellum apice in spinam brevem semi-
erectam productum. Hemelytra ( £ ) apicem abdominis paullum superantia.
Pedes intermedii fusco-testacei, coxis, trochanteribus, basi et annulo angusto sub-
apicali femorum, apice tibiarum tarsisque piceis ; femora sublinearia, hand
incrassata ; tarsi longi, triente tibiarum paullo longiores. (Pedum anticorum et
posticorum solum coxae picese restant). Long. $ (sine hemelytris) 3.5 mm.
Hah. : Venezuela, Caracas.
This species, like A. simoni, Bergr., was discovered by E. Simon,
the well-known Araclmologist. The members of this genus are said to
live in society with spiders, and they resemble somewhat in shape and
colour certain narrow myrmecoid species of the Araneid family Salti-
cidse. Six species of Arachnocoris have now been recorded, and I have
seen another from Trinidad which will be described elsewhere.
Turtola, Finland:
February , 1914.
118 [May.
LIST OF ODONATA COLLECTED AT TOZEUR, S. TUNISIA, BY
ME. G. C. CHAMPION IN MAY, 1913.
by herbert campion.
Agrionin^e.
Ischnura sp., 1 $ . — Unfortunately, the anal appendages have
been damaged, and the specific identification must therefore remain
uncertain.
GtOMPHINjE.
Onychogomphus codse, Selys, 1 £ . — In this sand-coloured specimen
the wing-veins are extremely pale and the body without conspicuous
markings of any kind. It appears to be immature, but I think it may
be referred to the present species, as the anal appendages agree fairly
well with the figures accompanying the original description (the type
was from Oran, in Algeria). It also agrees with the description
sufficiently well in size and certain other respects.
(?) Gomphus sp., 1 $ . — In the absence of the £ I do not care to
attempt the determination of this insect.
LlBELLULIN^.
Orthetrum anceps, Schneider, 1 <-£. — A small species belonging
to the Mediterranean group, and apparently not at all common in
collections.
0. chrysostigma, Burm., 1 ? . — This species varies a good deal in
size, and ranges over the whole of the African continent.
Trithemis annulata, P. de B., 2 £ . — Occurs in the Mediterranean
region, and throughout continental Africa, as well as in Madagascar.
March 23rd, 1914.
Reoccurrence of Acalyptus mfipennis, Gyll., in Oxfordshire. — On April 15th
and 16th I again had the pleasure of meeting with Acalyptus rufipennis in the
restricted locality at Weston-on-the-Green, where it occurred sparingly last year
(Ent. Mo. Mag., 1913, p. 135). On the present occasion it was taken rather
freely by beating the sallow bushes in blossom, the female catkins being
decidedly the more productive. Jambs J. "Walker, Oxford : April 20th, 1914.
1914.] U9
Abundance of Haliplus striatus, Sharp, in Yorkshire. — On February 23rd I paid
a visit to the Yorkshire side of the mouth of the Tees, the objective being Haliplus
striatus, Sharp, which had occurred there in numbers in August, 1913. The
locality is by no means an inviting one, much of the road being on the edges of
gigantic slag-heaps, or by the side of the dreary waste reclaimed from the river,
but not yet occupied by iron works. The insect is found in two very large pools
of brackish water, flanked on one side by a slag heap, on a second by a railway,
and on a third by an embankment also of slag ! The weather was very cold and
blusterous, and as a result the beetles were almost torpid. Consequently shelter
had to be taken behind one slag " boulder," while the contents of the net were
spread on the flat surface of a second. Though the Halipli were slow in showing
themselves, they were there in enormous numbers, the net on one occasion con-
taining 70 specimens, while a space five yards long yielded upwards of 200, and
would doubtless have given more if time had permitted the search. Dips made
in other parts of the ponds showed that the insect occurred everywhere, so that
a very modest estimate would put the number of Haliplus striatus in the two
ponds as half a million, and very probably it much exceeded the million. —
Geo. B. Walsh, 166, Bede Burn Road, Jarrow-on-Tyne : March 14th, 1914.
Callidium (Pyrrhidium) sanguineum, L., in Essex. — In the' spring of 1913 a
local taxidermist sent me a match-box containing three specimens of a beetle
which he said had made its appearance on his premises ; he had smashed about
two dozen, but as others still continued to come he was anxious to know whether
they were likely to prove injurious. The species was Callidium sanguineum, L.,
and my son at once set off to investigate, and succeeded in tracing the source
of the specimens to a case containing a fine wild cat, which was mounted on a
piece of wood, and this showed the holes from which the beetles had emerged ;
one was still alive within the case, but no others appeared afterwards. The cat
had been sent to be set up by Dr. J. H. Satter, of D'Arcy House, Tolleshunt
D'Arcy, Witham, Essex, to whom I recently wrote for further particulars.
Dr. Satter was greatly interested, and called upon me yesterday, when he
informed me that he received the piece of wood, which was black poplar, with
the wild cat, from Nancy. This beautiful beetle was recorded by the late
S. Stevens as having been taken many years ago at Plaistow, and was probably
then, as now, of Continental origin. — W. H. Hakwood, 62, Station Road,
Colchester: March 18th, 1914.
Philhydrus halophilus, Bedel, from Sussex. — Only a few weeks ago, in-
dependently of Mr. Newbery, I identified two specimens of a Philhydrus which I
took at Newhaven, Sussex, in April, 1904, as P. halophilus, Bedel. I would add
to Mr. Newbery's note the fact that this species differs from P. maritimus, Th.,
in having the side-borders of the elytra much narrower, and P. haloimilus
being a more convex insect they are scarcely visible from above ; in both
these characters it resembles P. nigricans, Zett. The aedeagus in P. halophilus
differs markedly from that organ in both the above-named species. — Norman
H. Jot, Bradfield, Berks : April 6th, 1914.
K 2
120 [>Iay.
Hastula hyerana, Mill., at Reigate. — In April 1911, 1 collected some larvae
of Hastula hyerana at Hyeres. These duly produced moths in the autumn of
1911. From eggs laid by these, larvae emerged, and in the autumn of 1911
were placed on some plants of Asphodel that are in my garden here. In the
spring of 1912 I collected larva? from these plants, which duly produced moths
and eggs, and the resulting larvae were placed on the plants in the autumn of
1912. Last spring (1913) I observed larvae on the plants, but partly from being
from home, and in some degree from forgetfulness, I simply left them on the
plants, and concluded that the experiment was ended. It seems, however, that
this was not so, since I now (April, 1914) find larvae on the plants. The 1913
larva? (those turned out newly hatched, August or September, 1912) must
therefore have succeeded in activating, in emerging as moths and in laying
eggs in August or September (or later) in 1913, with the larvae found now as
the result.
It would thus appear that H. hyerana has lived at Reigate in the open-
air without any attention, from September, 1912, till April, 1914, more than
a full generation, with every prospect of completing the second full cycle. —
T. A. Chapman, Betula, Reigate : April, 1914.
"A humble-bee attacked by a Dipteron." — The occurrence recorded under the
above heading by Mr. Richardson in the " Entomologist's Monthly Magazine "
for last month, p. 93, is easily explained. What was taken for " a medium-
sized black humble-bee " was really the female of Podalirius pilipes, Fab., one
of the Apidse ; and the supposed Dipteron hovering over it and vibrating its
wings in a state of great excitement was clearly the male of the same species !
These two insects differ so widely in appearance that they may easily be mis-
taken for different species, but the black pubescence of the one and the golden-
brown appearance of the other, and their method of courtship are conclusive.
The only other insect they could possibly have been is Podalirius retusus, Linn.
These two species are superficially very much alike, but the latter is later in its
appearance and more local, whereas the former appears everywhere with the first
sunny days of March and remains on the wing for a long time, though its rich
golden-brown pubescence rapidly becomes griseous in brilliant weather. —
W. H. Harwood : April 1st, 1914.
Apparatus designed for setting small insects. — A useful piece of apparatus
has recently been made to my design by Mr. O. E. Janson, and as it is we
both think the most practical and convenient apparatus at present designed for
setting small insects, I think the description will be of interest to you. It con-
sists of the head-band as used by medical men to hold the mirror with which
they examine throats, &c, but the mirror removed, and in place of it a metal
rod of measured length with a ball at one end to fit into the socket of the head-
band, while the other end consists of a clip to hold lenses of various powers.
In this way a lens of suitable strength is held in comfort at a convenient
distance from the eye, moveable with the head of the user, so that it can be
1914.] 121
used sideways, in a manner not tiring to the eyebrow like the old watchmaker's
glass, nor requiring the same degree of bend in the neck when in use, and
capable of being used for either eye or swung out of the way as required. In
this manner ease and comfort are secured, while both hands are left free for the
use of the setting needles, and the insect can be viewed sideways and moved
about at will (a great advantage over the various forms of stand apparatus).
The structure, though sounding complicated in description, is in reality simpli-
city itself, and renders the setting of small insects much less of a strain than
heretofore. -F. Thompson, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., River Bank, Sunbury-on-
Thames : March 10th, 1914.
Wet seasons and Acarid parasites on insects. — While collecting Diptera
among grass-roots, dead leaves, &c, last January, I found some Borboridee
infested with a reddish-coloured Acarid. In one case there were fotu* of these
parasites on the abdomen of Borborus nitidus in a space of hardly more than
one millimetre. At first sight I thought I had a red-bodied specimen. The
weather was frosty at the time. I have not noticed them on other Diptera. —
Herbert Burt, High Lane, Cheshire : April 4th, 1914.
Evidence of memory and reasoning in a Pompilid. — This afternoon I observed
a Pompilid (Salius wakejieldi, or an allied species) running backwards along a
concrete path hauling a large spider which she had evidently stung. The path
had a border about three inches high covered with short confused grass stems.
Inside this was an area of recently disturbed earth, many of the clods being
half an inch in diameter, the whole thus forming very " rough country " from
the Pompilid's point of view. After dragging the spider about ten feet, the
Pompilid left it on the path, ascended the grass edge and explored the rough
earth for a space of four feet parallel to the path, her nest evidently being at
the foot of a post amongst some long grass beyond the rough earth. The
Pompilid returned after about one minute and made for the spider, which she
had some little difficulty in finding. It was clear that the disturbed state of
the ground perplexed the insect as she was evidently finding her way by looking
at surrounding objects, and many of these had been disturbed within half an
hour of the observation. When the Pompilid found the spider she pulled it
along the smooth path to the nearest point opposite her nest instead of along
the rough route she had just explored. She then again left the spider, this time
for fully three minutes, in order to discover the best route through the tangled
grass stems. The spider was finally hauled off the path into the long grass and
the insect's subsequent operations could not be followed.
This observation seems worth recording as it proves the existence of memory,
a strong continuity of purpose, and an ability to first ascertain and subsequently
make use of the easiest path for hauling a heavy load.— G. V. Hudson, Hillview,
Karori, Wellington, New Zealand : March 8th, 1914.
122 [May.
#bttuarg.
Petr Petrovich Semenoff-Tian-Shansky, father of our Honorary Fellow, A. P.
Semenoff-Tian-Shansky, President of the Russian Entomological Society, died
of pneumonia at his residence in St. Petersburg, after a very short illness, in
his 88th year.
Although not an active entomologist, he formed a very fine collection of
Palsearctic Coleoptera, and by his sympathy and powerful influence did much
to forward the study of insects in Russia.
His contributions to the literature of botany, geology, statistics, art, and
above all, geography, were as numerous as valuable ; to the latter science,
indeed, they were vast. He first earned fame by his explorations in 1856 and
1857 of the then mysterious mountains of Central Asia, the Altai and Tian-
Shan, whence the honorable distinctive addition to his family name. He was
intimately associated with the Imperial Russian Geographical Society for over
half a century, being Vice-President since 1873 : he was awarded the gold
Founder's Medal of our Royal Geographical Society in 1897, and in 1910 the
Gesellschaft fur Erdkunde of Berlin granted him the Ritter-Medal specially
struck in gold. His orders and distinctions were very numerous, among the
most prized being the German Emperor's order, " pour le merite."
He was Director of the Central Statistical Committee from 1864 to 1880,
President of the Permanent International Statistical Commission since 1872,
Senator since 1887, and Member of the Council of State since 1897.
In spite of his great age, he was working with his accustomed energy and
optimism up to three days before his death. — M. B.
Societies.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, March 12th, 1914.— Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S., President, in the
Chair. ►
Mr. J. C. Fryer, Northumberland Avenue, was elected a Member.
Mr. W. J. Kaye exhibited two quite distinct species of Heliconius, H. hydara
and H. amaryllis, var. euryades of almost exactly the same facies, with micro-
scopic slides of the genitalia. Mr. Newman, Lasiocampa ilicifolia, ? , taken
at Cannock Chase, May 25th, 1913, by Mr. G. B. Oliver. Mr. Tonge, nest of the
N. American hornet, Vespa maculata, from Massachusetts, with several imagines.
Mr. Step, photographs of Aleurodes (Aleyrodidse),n family allied to the Coccidee,
and gave notes on the habits of the insects. The rest of the exhibits were
microscopical. Dr. Chapman, the androconia of Agriades thersites, spring brood
larger, much like those of /'. escheri, summer brood, much like those of P.
icarus. Mr. West, imagines of Aleurodes (Aleyrodidse). Mr. Adkin, armatures
of Ptycholoma lecheana, cocoon structure of Anthrocera filipendulse and Satumia
pavonia. Mr. C. B. Williams, British species of the Order Protura. Mr. Cox-
head, galls, with larvae and pupae, of Cecidomyia saliciperda. Mr. Ashdown,
various species of Coleoj)tera and Hemiptera, including Hispa atra, larva of
Jalla dumosa, etc., with Swiss specimens of Ceuthorrhynchus horridus. Mr. Noad
Clark, androconial scales of P. brassicse.
1914]. 123
March 26th, 1914.— The President in the Chair.
Mr. Edwards exhibited a large African Scarabaeid Archon centaurus, found
dead at Blackheath, and also a number of Lepidoptera from Burmah, including
Chalcosia venosa and C. zetica. Mr. Tonge, a long series of Colias edusa taken
near Beigate in 1877-8, the years of great abundance. Mr. H. J. Turner,
C. edusa from Dawlish, etc., including ? var. helice and bred examples of inter-
mediate coloration. Mr. A. E Gibbs, C. edusa with local forms from many
European localities, with allied species from the Eastern Palsearctic area and
from the Nearctic region. Mr. B. Adkin, a large number of C. edusa, including
many specimens of intermediate coloration. Mr. Joy, a very long series of
bred specimens of C. edusa, all of large size, many ? s with small or no spots in
the marginal bands. Mr. Dunster, C. edusa taken along the south coast of
England during the past three years. Mr. Frohawk, very long series of
C. edusa and 9 v- helice, showing almost complete gradation in ground from
pure white to rich orange,- including the rare shades of lemon colour, and
aberrations with black suffusion to the discoidal (fore-wing), with black hind-
wings, with drab marginal borders, and a ? measuring 67 mm. Mr. R. Adkin, a
long series of British C. edusa, and read a paper entitled " Colias edusa in
Britain " dealing in turn with Nomenclature, History in Britain, the Theory of
its Occurrence, Probable Lines of Migration and Immigration, Local Habits,
Variation and Aberration, Reasons of Hregidar Abtindance beyond the confines
of its area of Natural Distribution, etc. A considerable discussion took place.
— H. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, February 4*th, 1914. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, President, in the Chair.
Miss Maude Lina West Cleghorn, 57, Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta,
and Mr. William John Fordham, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., The Villa, Bubwith, Selby,
Yorks, were elected Fellows of the Society.
The President announced that he had nominated Dr. H. Eltringham, the
Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, and the Rev. G. Wheeler as Vice-Presidents for
the present Session.
Mr. B. H. Smith exhibited specimens of Prodenia littoralis bred from larvae
found feeding on bananas at Weymouth. Mr. C. B. Williams, a specimen of
the genus Acerentomon of the Order Protura taken from moss in the New Forest,
Hampshire. He also drew the attention of the Society to the new Order
Zoraptera just described by Silvestri, the first discoverer of the Protura.
Mr. Donisthorpe, specimens of the ants (Ecophylla smaragdina F., from Ceylon,
and 0. virescens, F., from North Queensland. These ants use their larvae to
spin threads and fasten the leaves of their nests together. Prof. Poulton, a
pair of Neophasia terlooti, from Arizona; also a collection of Algerian Dipt era
and other insects associated with them, made by Dr. Adalbert Seitz, F.E.S.
The following papers were read : " On the egg-laying of Trichiosoma," by
124 [May, 1014.
T. A. Chapman, M.D., F.Z.S., F.E.S. " A remarkable new Genus and Species of
Odonata of the Legion Podagrion, Sel., from N. Queensland," by Kenneth J.
Morton, F.E.S. " Lepidoptera-Heterocera from S.E. Brazil," by E. Dukinfield-
Jones, F.Z.S., F.E.S. "The Myrmecophilous Aphides of Britain," by Prof.
F. V. Theobald, M.A., F.E.S.
Wednesday, March 4th, 1914. — The President in the Chair.
Messrs. Win. J. von Monte Pendlebnry, Broadlands, Shrewsbury, and Keble
College, Oxford ; Bobert Veitch, 7, Queen's Crescent, Edinburgh ; and Francis
Cardew Woodforde, B.A., Market Drayton, Salop, were elected Fellows of the
Society.
Mr. H. Donisthorpe and Mr. W. C. Crawley exhibited a number of poly-
morphic forms in ants, illustrated by a chart, and read notes. Dr. T. A.
Chapman, a £ and 9 imago of Agriades thersites, alive, bred from the egg ;
also two last-stage larvae. Mr. H. Main, a gynandromorphic specimen of
Eriogaster lanestris, right side 9 , left side J , bred last year at Eastbourne by
Mr. E. P. Sharp. Mr. O. E. Janson, a specimen which he believed to be the
female of Goliathus wisei, Heath, hitherto unknown, also specimens of G. kirki,
Gray, in which the white markings were very perfectly preserved. Mr. Champion,
on behalf of Mr. E. W. Morse, of Leeds, the second British specimen of the
genus Eudectus, probably a variety of E. whitei, Sharp, from Ingleborough,
Yorks., and a pair of CEdemera virescens, L., from Symonds Yat, Hereford.
Dr. F. A. Dixey, at the desire of Mr. J. C. Hawkshaw, F.E.S., a cocoon of
Lyonetia clerckella, L., spun up on a cherry leaf. Mr. Hawkshaw suggested that
the fine silken web attached to the leaf on each side of the supporting strands
and guy lines by means of which the cocoon is slung up like a hammock,
served as a protection against ants. Mr. E. Ernest Green, a Coccid with double
anterior limb, and read notes. Mr. L. W. Newman, a fine 9 Lasiocampa ilici-
folia taken on the wing at Cannock Chase, by Mr. G. B. Oliver, on May 25th,
1913. Mr. Newman stated that the larva? in captivity took readily to aspen.
Mr. A. W. Mera, two specimens of Cidaria suffumata, of an unusual form, from
East Devon, received from Eev. J. W. Metcalfe, who takes this form from damp
woods, and finds it not entirely confined to one wood. Prof. Poulton stated that
he had just received from Mr. E. E. Piatt, of Durban, the male and female
parents— both of the wahlbergi form — caught in coitu, with their large family
of about 200 mima and wahlbergi in about equal numbers. These results were
quite unexpected.
The following paper was read: "A Eevision of the Central American
Chauliognathinse (Fam. Telephoridse) , based on the Genital Armature of the
Males," by G. C. Champion, A.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. -Geo. Whbelhe, Hon. Sec.
Ent. Mo. Mag., 1914. Plate IX.
M. A. Sharp, del.
BRITISH SPECIES OF GYBINUS.
Ent. Mo. Mag., 1914. Plate X.
/a* «
>4" /a.
M. A. Sharp, del.
BRITISH SPECIES OP GYEINUS.
EXCHANGE.
Offered. — A collection of 50 British Coleoptera (100 specimens) scientifically
arranged and named, including some good local species ; few slightly damaged.
Wanted. — Vols. 3. 4, 5, and fi Warne's " Royal Natural History," or few good
foreign or colonial stamps. — Gh D. Turner, " The Grampians," St. Helen's Park
Road, Hastings.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
Mr. Robert S. Mitford, C.B., from 35, Redcliffe Square, South Kensing-
ton, S.W., to Thornlea, Weybridge, Surrey (as from 30th inst.).
WATKIHS & BOB CAST EB, lafanplfate,
Keep in stock all Articles for Entomologists, Ornithologists, Botanists, &c. : Umbrella
Net, 7/- ; Folding Cane or Wire, 3/6, 4/-, 4/6 ; Plain Ring Net, 1/3, 2/-, 3/- ; Pocket
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useful for Coleopterists, Microscopists, &c), 4/6 ; Brass Chloroform Bottle, 2/6.
Improved Pocket Pupa-digger in leather sheath (strongly recommended), 1/9 ; Steel
Forceps, 1/6 to 3/- per pair ; Pocket Lens, from 1/6 to 8/6.
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pipes, 4d., 6d. ; Egg Drills, 2d., 3d. ; ditto, best quality, 9d. each ; Botanical Vascu-
lum, 1/6, 2/9, 3/6, 4/6 ; Label List of British Macro-Lepidoptera, with Latin and
English Names, 1/6; List of British Lepidoptera (every species numbered), 1/-;
or on one side for Labels, 2/-.
SILVER PINS FOR COLLECTORS OP MICR0-LEPID0PTERA, Ac,
as well as minute insects of all other families.
We stock various sizes and lengths of these Silver Pins, which have certain
advantages over the entomological pins usually employed.
For instance, insects liable to become greasy and verdigrisy, like Sesiidse, are best
pinned on Silver pins, which will last much longer than the ordinary pins (whether
enamelled black, or gilt, or silvered).
We shall be pleased to send pattern cards on application.
& large stock of British, European, and Exotic lepidoptera,
Coleoptera, and Birds' Eggs.
ENTOMOLOG-IO-A.!.. FINS.
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without climbing the lamp posts), 3s. 6d.
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Our N«w Price Liat (100 pp.) sent post free to any address on application.
CONTENTS. pagb
The distribution of Carabus clathratus, with an attempt to confute the
record of its occurrence in England (concluded). — Claude Morley, F.Z.S. 101
A new species of Helophorus. — D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S 103
Malthodes crassicornis, Maklin ; a new British beetle. — Norman H. Joy,
M.R.C.S., F.E.S 104
On Anchomenus atratus, Panz., and A. dahli, Bon'e. — E. A. Newbery 105
Some observations on the specific characters of Homalota (Bessobia) occulta,
and H. fungivora, &c. {with figures) . — James H. Keys, F.E.S 106
A Meloid " Triungulin " attached to a Telephorid (with figure). — O. C.
jJhampion, F.Z.S 108
Coleoptera in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire (concluded). H. Fortescue
Fryer, F.E.S 109
•"^-Synopsis of the British forms of the Andrena minutula group (continued). —
R. C. L. Perkins, B.Se., M.A., F.E.S 112
Some notes on Crambus lithargyrellus, Hubn., and C. poliellus, Treitschke. —
Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, M.A., F.L.S 115
Note on the genus Arachnocoris, Scott. — Dr. E. Bergroth, C.M.Z.S 116
List of Odonata collected at Tozeur, S. Tunisia, by Mr. Gr. C. Champion in
May, 1913. — Herbert Campion 118
Reoccurrence of Acalyptus rufipennis, Gyll., in Oxfordshire. — James J.
Walker, M.A., R.N. , F.L.S 118
Abundance of Haliplus striatus, Sharp, in Yorkshire. — Geo. B. Walsh 119
Callidium (Pyrrhidium) sanguineum, L., in Essex. — W. H. Hanoood 119
Philhydrushalophilus, Bedel, from Susses..— Norman H. Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S. 119
Hastula hyerana, Mill., at Reigate.— T. A. Chapman, M.D., F.Z.S 120
" A humble-bee attacked by a Dipteron." — W. H. Harwood 120
Apparatus designed for setting small insects. — F. Thompson, M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P 120
Wet seasons and Acarid parasites on insects. — Herbert Burn 121
Evidence of memory and reasoning in a Pompilid. — Q. V. Hudson, F.E.S. ... 121
Obituaby.— Petr Petrovich Semenoff-Tian-Shansky 122
Societies. — South London Entomological Society 122
Entomological Society of London 123
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(Bdttortal.
As the " Entomologist's Monthly Magazine " has now completed
the fiftieth year of its existence — the first number having been
published on June 1st, 1864 — a brief retrospect of its history during
this period will doubtless be welcomed by our contributors and readers.
In the early "sixties " of the last century, a great deal of
encouragement and assistance was afforded to incipient Entomologists
by several of the leading exponents of our Science in London,
prominent among these being Mr. J.W.Douglas and Mr. H. T. Stainton.
The latter gentleman was for many years in the habit of throwing open
his valuable and extensive library (which included the fine series of
Entomological works amassed by James Francis Stephens), and his
equally valuable collections, on one evening in the week to all comers
interested in insects, besides personally conducting afternoon excursions
in the summer months in the then productive neighbourhood of his
residence at Lewisham. This good example was followed by other
well-known Entomologists in the provinces, and as an immediate
result of this activity, the need of a periodical entirely devoted to the
subject was greatly felt at this time. The " Entomologist " initiated
by Edward Newman in 1840, was in 1843 merged into the " Zoologist,"
a monthly magazine of general Natural History, which still continues
to hold a high place among journals of that kind ; and it was not re-
sumed as a separate publication until more than twenty years later. The
" Entomologist's Weekly Intelligencer," conducted by H. T. Stainton,
after several years of very useful and highly appreciated existence,
came to a close in 1862 ; and the " Weekly Entomologist" a subsequent
periodical on somewhat similar lines, edited by Thomas Blackburn and
published at Altrincham, Cheshire, had but a brief career. The " Journal
of Entomology," a well illustrated but somewhat expensive magazine
dealing almost entirely with exotic insects, was published at irregular
intervals between 1860 and 1866, and valuable notes on Entomological
subjects continued to appear in the " Zoologist," but the space available
therein for records of this nature was obviously inadequate.
Our magazine was initiated under the joint direction of five of
the most distinguished Entomological workers of the day: — Messrs.
H. T. Stainton, R. McLachlan, E. C. Rye, T. Blackburn, and
Dr. H. G-uard Knaggs. In the first number commenced a series of
exceedingly important papers on new Central American butterflies by
the famous naturalist Henry Walter Bates, who was for many years a
126 [June,
contributor to our pages, for the most part on the subject of exotic
Coleoptera ; and in our own fauna in this Order, E. C. Rye began a
series of equally valuable notes with the first part of his revision of our
species of Stemis. As announced in the preface to the first volume,
the Magazine, while by no means neglecting Exotic Entomology, was
to be largely devoted to that of the British Islands, and papers and
records of our Coleoptera have throughout held, and continue to occupy,
a prominent place in its pages. As regards the other " favourite "
Order, the Lepidoptera, we have had of recent years to regret a marked
falling-off in the number of contributions, though occasional valuable
notes continue to appear, and we trust that in the future these will be
more numerous. The careful and detailed descriptions of the larvae of
many of our Lepidoptera, by W. Buckler and the Rev. J. Hellins, are
an important feature of our earlier volumes. In addition to many con-
tributions by our successive Editors, the work of a large number of
our best known Entomologists had found a place in our pages, as well
as that of several distinguished foreign workers, among whom may be
named Achille Ghienee, C. Bergroth, O. M. Reuter, Baron von Osten-
Sacken, and others.
Of the contributors to our first volume, eight well-known Ento-
mologists, some of them in the front rank of our workers, are happily
still with us : — A. Gf . Butler, F. Enock, C. Fenn, Ceo. Lewis,
Gr. B. Longstaff, G-. F. Mathew, D. Sharp, and C. O. Waterhouse.
The veteran Dr. Sharp, from whose pen an important paper appears
in the present issue, indeed narrowly missed being a contributor to our
y first number, as his note published on p. 48 was announced on its
ipper as having been received.
The Rev. T. Blackburn resigned his position on the staff of our
Magazine in May, 1866, on his leaving England, and Dr. H. Guard
Knaggs, who resigned in 1874, was succeeded by Mr. J. W. Douglas.
Messrs. C. Gr. Barrett and Edward Saunders joined our staff in June,
1880, and the vacancy caused by the premature and tragic death of
our esteemed first editor for Coleoptera, Mr. E. C. Rye, was filled after
an interval of a year by the Rev. W. W. Fowler ; this department
being strengthened by the accession of Mr. Gr. C. Champion in January,
1891. The Magazine sustained a very heavy loss in December, 1892,
in the death of its practical founder Mr. H. T. Stainton, whose place
on the staff was filled by Lord Walsingham until December, 1912 ;
Mr. R. McLachlan, who from the first had taken a prominent part in
its management, became Editor-in-Chief until his lamented decease in
19H.] 127
May, 1904 ; during his long illness the Magazine was conducted by Mr. E .
Saunders, and his vacancy was occupied by Commander J. J. Walker,
R.N. The memories of C. G-. Barrett (died December, 1904), and of
Edward Saunders (died February, 1910), are still fresh and honoured
with us ; and we enjoy the assistance of their successors Messrs. Gr. T.
Porritt (February, 1905), J. E. Collin (March, 1906), and R. W.
Lloyd (March, 1909) We owe the series of nine coloured plates in
illustration of British and Exotic Insects, which have been a feature
of our recent volumes, to the munificence of one of the present
Editors.
It is with great pleasure that we are enabled to present the
readers of the current number of the " Entomologist's Monthly
Magazine " with the portraits of the eight deceased Founders and
Editors. The originals of five of these portraits have been kindly
supplied by Mrs. E. Saunders, Messrs. C. Gr. Barrett, jun., W. L. Distant,
H. McLachlan, and C. O. Waterhouse.
It is obviously impossible in this place to do more than allude to
the extensive scope of the work embodied in the pages of our fifty
volumes ; but the following statistics of the additions to the fauna of
our Islands will at any rate serve to show that the design of the
Magazine as a record of British Entomology, as indicated by our
original Editors in the preface to Vol. I, has been fully carried out.
Additions to the British Insect Fauna recorded in the
Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, June, 1864 — Mat, 1914. : —
Coleoptera ... ... ... ... 601 species.
Diptera ... ... ... ... ... 1121
EuPLEXOPTERA ... ... ... ... 3
Hemiptera ... ... ... ... 166
b.omoptera ... ... ... ... 317
Hymenoptera ... ... ... ... 446
Lepidoptera ... ... ... ... 218
Neuroptera (sensu Linneano) ... ... 79
Orthoptera ... ... ... ... 3
SlPHONAPTERA ... ... ... ... 11
Thysanoptera ... ... ... ... 27
Total ... ... 2992 species.
And of 1369 species of Coleoptera described during this period as
new to Science, 132 were found for the first time in the British
1 28 [June>
Islands. The very large number of Biptera have mainly been added
by the late Mr. G-. H. Verrall (who has more than once brought
forward 100 additional species at a time), and by his nephew,
Mr. J. E. Collin, who as one of our Editors continues Mr. Verrall's
work ; a very considerable number have also been added by Dr. J. H.
Wood, of Tarrington, Herefordshire.
The form of the Magazine remains practically unchanged from
the first, and will be continued in the forthcoming nominal Third
Series commencing with the next volume ; and it is, perhaps, needless
to state that the spirit of the passage from Laboulbene, happily
selected as our motto by our first Editors, has throughout been
rigidly adhered to. A word of acknowledgment is due to our printer,
Mr. Alexander Napier, for the care and accuracy with which the
production of the Magazine has been carried out since he succeeded
in 1897 to the business of his late father, whose high standard of
printing work has been fully maintained by the son.
The writers of the Preface to our Second Series were able to
congratulate themselves on the existence of an Entomological Journal
"conducted on non-commercial principles" for more than twenty-five
years. A period of ecpual duration has elapsed since this was written,
and their present-day representatives trust that the Entomologist's
Monthly Magazine will continue to receive and to deserve the support
and appreciation which has been extended to the " labour of love "
of the succession of Editors for the past half -century.
THE BRITISH SPECIES OF GYRINUS.
BY D. SHARP, M.A., P.R.S.
(Plates IX and X.)
In this Magazine, July, 1868, there was published a brief article
by me on the British Gyrinidse. Since then several important works
on the family have appeared, of which it is here only necessary to
mention the following, viz.: — (1) Eegimbart's "Monograph of the
Gyrinid^;' 1883, with Supplements, 1886, 1891 and 1907 ; (2) Vol. 1
of Fowler's " British Coleoptera " (1887) ; (3) a valuable though brief
paper by Edwards in the " Entomologist," 1890 ; (4) Vol. I of
G-anglbauer's " Kafer," etc. (1892) ; and (5) Beitter's " Fauna
Germanica," Vol. I (1908).
Edwards' brief paper was specially valuable, as he introduced the
studv of the «deagus. It has, however, remained unknown to the
1914. j 129
writers who have followed him. G-anglbauer's work on this family is
much below the level of most of the other parts of his very valuable
work, and a similar remark applies to Regimbart's study of the genus
Gyrinus. In fact, the subject has advanced but little in the last 50
years. I hope in this paper to carry it a little farther, but only a little,
and unless more rapid progress be made it will be some generations
before a satisfactory knowledge of the British Gyrinidse is attained.
I hope, however, by following Mr. Edwards' lead, and making athorough
study of the genitalia, we shall get a real advance, and it is with that
idea this paper has been drawn up and illustrated.
The aedeagus is, however, only very imperfectly understood. The
lateral lobes when present in Coleoptera usually exhibit marked dis-
tinctions between the species. But in Gyrin us, though they are very
large, they yet are almost identical in all our British species. More-
over, the styli of the female resemble them in form, and are highly
peculiar. This leads me to suggest that their phallic function is sub-
ordinate to some bodily (or as Muir and I have termed it chrootic)
purpose. This, however, is one of the many points that will have to be
settled later on.
Another distinctive character of the Gyrinid aedeagus, but one that
is probably of much less importance, is the relation of the lateral lobes
to the basal plate and to the median lobe. The lateral and median
lobes are very intimately connected, while the basal plate is only
attached to the lateral lobes by means of a very large connecting mem-
brane that allows the large basal plate to slide over and encase both
the median and the lateral lobes. Hence the tegmen (= basal plate
+ lateral lobes) is peculiar.
These facts, taken with the extreme adaptation of the chrootic
structures, emphasise the great isolation of the family Gyrinidze in the
Order Coleoptera.
There appears to be no differentiated sac in Gyrinus, and I cannot
say what extension of duct there may be to accomplish fertilisation.
In Bytiscus, Hans Blunck (Zeitscbr. wiss. Zool. cii,
1912) has shown in a very valuable memoir that the
process of fecundation is accomplished by means of
a curious spermatophore formed during the copula.
So far as I know no information exists as to the
copula of Gyrinus. But I have a remarkable speci-
men of G. urinator that is about 60 years old, and
that exhibits a short portion of duct extended with
a peculiar body attached to it. I have thought it
130 [June,
worth while to give a figure of this as it appears after the sedeagus
has been mounted in balsam. Whether the ill-shaped body is or is
not the remains of a spermatophore I am quite unable to say.
Although no information exists as to the copula of Gyrinus, we
owe to Eegimbart (Ann. Soc. ent. France, 1883, p. 383) a brief but
most intei-esting account of the phenomenon in Orectochilus ; and
from his description it is very probable that the object shown in the
above figure is part of what he calls a " cylindre spermatique."*
The species of this genus are liable to a peculiar form of variation,
the chitin of the upper surface — more especially of the elytra — becoming
more or less dull, instead of highly polished ; and this dullness is
sometimes accompanied by the development of an excessively minute
and indefinite sculpture. As sculpture is of considerable importance
in discriminating the species of the genus it is desirable the student
should be prepared to recognise this adventitious roughening of the
surface when he meets with it. I have seen it in G. natator (where
with a concomitant change of colour it forms the var. corjmlentus,
Schatzm.), in colymbus, bicolor, elongatus, rnarinus, and minutus, and it
probably occurs in the other species if larger series of them were
accessible.
The following table may help in the difficult task of distinguishing
the species, but the study of the a3deagus is essential for certainty : —
1 /4!) Scutellum with a small elevation at base 1, minutus.
) Scutellum without elevation.
) Under surface entirely yellow 2, xwinator.
) Under surface more or less extensively black.
o ^io) Inflexed margin of elytra largely or entirely yellow.
6 (7) Surface of elytra with a distinct sculpture of scratches...
8, striolatus.
7 (6) Surface of elytra without sculpture of scratches.
8 (9) Three or four sutural series of punctures very fine 3, natator.
9 (8) Three or four sutural series of punctures distinct or fine.
10 (13) Sides of elytra strongly rounded.
11 (12) Elytra with a minute punctuation 7, colymbus.
12 (11) Elytra without minute punctuation 4, suffriani.
13 (10) Sides of elytra slightly rounded or straight.
14 (15) External apical angle of elytra evident though obtuse.. .5, elongatus.
* I may hero take the opportunity of saying that from observations I have made during
the last two years I have formed the opinion that the lateral lobes of the male jedeagus during
copula never enter the tube of the female.
1914.] 131
15 (14) External apical angle of elytra quite rounded 6, bieolor.
16 (5) Inflexed margin of elytra metallic.
17 (18) Claws of middle and hind tarsi yellow 9, opacus.
18 (17) Claws of middle and hind tarsi black.
19 (20) Size larger, J 6, 9 7 mm. long 10, marinus.
20 (19) Size smaller, J 5, ? 6 mm. long 11, edwardsi.
1. Gr. mintttus, Fabr.
This species has been made the exponent of a subgenus Gyrinulus
on account of the elevation on the scutellum. This character readily
distinguishes the insect from all our other Gyrini. The pronotum of
G. minutus is remarkably dull, but there is a fine shining line along the
middle, and the scutellar elevation looks like a prolongation of this line.
The a3deagus (figs. 1) differs but little from that of G. natator, but
there is not so much chitinisation of the tip of the ventral surface of
the median lobe.
The species is a local one, but occurs throughout Great Britain
and Ireland, as I am informed by Mr. Balfour Browne.
2. Gr. TTRINATOR, Illig.
This species is distinguished by the under surface being entirely
yellow or red, and by the very smooth upper surface, the serial punc-
tures near the suture being effaced and, as it were, covered by a sub.
stance that forms lines of coppery effulgence. The sedeagus (figs. 2)
is very like that of G. natator, but the median lobe is gradually and
regularly narrowed from its broadest point near the base of the bulb,
to the tip which is truncate : there is no chitinisation of the ventral
face at the extremity.
3. G-. natator, L.
This, the most ubiquitous of our species of Gyrinus, may be
recognised by its bright parti-coloured under surface, its broad definitely
oval form, and the great delicacy of the series of punctures on the
elytra near the scutellum, the oblique double series of punctures at the
apex of each elytron is always moderate — never much obliterated, never
very coarse and deep. Some of the individuals of G. elongatus approach
it very closely, but in no case is that species so broadly oval, the elytra
in it being always straighter at the sides, with the outer apical anglj
less deflexed and obliterated.
As regards variation ; in this country the specimens invariably have
the mesosternum and the last ventral segment bright red. It is said
1 32 [June-
that on the Continent these parts are sometimes dark (var. marginatus) ,
but I suspect this to be erroneous, as to which see my remark under
G. stiff riani. In length it varies from 5 to over 7 mm., and there is a
corresponding difference in width from 2| to 31 mm. There is some
difference in the distinctness of the serial punctures near the scutellum ;
and the individuals in which these punctures are most distinct corres-
pond, I believe, to the " var. mergus " of the older authors.
A really marked variation occurs in colour. Usually the upper
surface has metallic reflections, the scutellum being brassy or golden,
and the raised suture of the elytra behind it having a similar reflection,
but in a few individuals the colour of the upper surface, including the
scutellum and suture, is totally black. This variation occurs in its
most marked form only in the less punctate individuals, and these were
considered a distinct species by Suffrian and were treated by bim as the
true natator. In some of the black examples, a very fine strigation of
the surface can be detected, and these are no doubt the var. corpulentus,
Schatzmayr (Wien. ent. Zeit. xxii, p. 172). Intermediate examples
occur, and Suffrian subsequently changed his view, and united all as
one species. The extreme black form may be known as var. B, or as
var. corpulentus, Schatzm. Although the pronounced black coloration
occurs only in the natator (or slightly punctate form) yet there are
individuals of the mergus form that approximate this coloration.
As regards " mergus " I find it impossible to reconcile the statements
of various authors, and there would be no practical result from fully
ting out the contradictions. But one point must be alluded to as
3 name has been recently reinstated as that of a distinct species,
jgimbart in 1883 described a G. wanJcowiczi as distinct from natator ;
in 1887 Seidlitz distinguished (or supposed he did) mergus from
natator, and suggested that wankowiczi, Reg., was this mergus. In
1891 Regimbart formally adopted this view, and thus mergus now
appears as a distinct species. I doubt both the distinctness and the
applicability of the name, and also that wankowiczi = mergus, Seidl. ;
but in the absence of Ahrens' type the question is not likely to be
settled, and Suffrian gave us to understand in 1842 (Stettin, ent. Zeit.,
p. 235) that Ahrens' specimens were lost. Suffrian was in communi-
cation with Ahrens, and it would appear that they really relied on the
black colour as the distinguishing feature of natator. The remarks I
made in 1868 as to the characters of " mergus " and '• natator,1" as well
as to their local variation, were based on an imperfect knowledge, and
are to a large extent erroneous.
1914. 133
As regards the sedeagus (figs. 3) its study in this species is rendered
somewhat difficult by its frequent immaturity, which not only gives rise
to some shrivelling in dried specimens, but also renders it difficult to
discriminate the chitinised from the membranous parts of the tube, a
difficulty which is increased by the fact that there is but little difference
in the coloration of the membrane and the chitin, the latter never
becoming very dark in G. natator. The median lobe has the bulbous
basal part rather narrow, and the apical or rod-like half rather broad,
and departing but little from being parallel-sided. The chitinisation
of the ventral aspect is considerable at the tip, so that the median
orifice cannot extend to the extremity, but there is no elevation of the
hard par! s that limit the orifice.
Gr, NATATOR vai\ 11. OBLITUS.
G. natatoris proxime affinis, sed minor, elytrorum sculptura minus obsoleta,
interstitiis intends versus apicem subconvexis. Long. 5-j mm.
Two specimens, approaching so closely to natator that their dis-
tinctness may be doubted, though on comparison with a series of 200
examples I find no others like them. One has been in my collection, as
a variety of G. suffriani, for many years. The other is the specimen
the eedeagus of which was figured as that of G. natator ( Sharp
and Muir, Tr. Ent, Soc, London, 1912, pi. xlix, fig. 42). This
var. must be very near to wankowiczi, Reg.
The eedeagus (figs. 4) is within what I have treated as the limits
of variation of na,tator ; the median lobe is slightly narrower and its
outline slightly more sinuous.
The type specimen was found in the River Ouse at Stony Stratfor*
in September, 1868. The other example I have lost the locality of ; it
sculpture, and its form even, differ a little from the other. Mr. Edwards
has an intermediate specimen.
4. Gr. SUFFRIANI.
(?) G. suffriani, Scriba, Stettin, ent. Zeit., 1855, p. 280.
The individuals of this species are as a rule smaller than natator, but
in this respect the two overlap. Although large suffriani are extremely
similar to small 'natator, yet the two are easily enough distinguished : the
punctures of the inner striae at the base are more distinct than in na-
tator, and the underside is much darker in colour ; the inflexed margins
of the elytra, the mesosternum, and even the last ventral segment are
never bright red. Variations in sculpture occur that may give rise to
some confusion, but when the strise of punctures at the base of the
1 34« I June,
elytra are unusually delicate in suffricmi, then the punctuation
at the apex is so much effaced that there should be no confusion with
natator.
The sedeagus of suffricmi (figs. 5) differs markedly from that of
natator : the chitinisation of the tip of the ventral surface of the
median lobe extends further forwards, and the sides of the median
orifice are raised, and these raised margins meet in the middle behind,
so that the median orifice is definitely limited and the whole apical
portion is strongly chitinised.
5. Gr. elongatus Aube, Edw., Eegimbart.
G. distinctus Sharp, Ent. Mo. Mag., v, 1868, p. 57.
Closely allied to G. natator, but different in shape, the insect being
much narrower, and the sides of the elytra less rounded. The species
is variable, but the variation is very different from that of natator, as
it chiefly involves the shape, and not the sculpture and colour. Some of
the specimens are so straight- sided and elongate that I formerly thought
they connected this species with bicolor. This doubt I now know to
have been unfounded. G. bicolor has the apex of the elytra more
completely rounded and a very different median lobe of the sedeagus.
As regards the change of name, I should remark that the confusiou as
to elongatus, Aube, and distinctus has been very great, and I adopt the
name elongatus on the authority of Eegimbart, who tells us that
distinctus always has a fine punctuation of the interstices of the elytra,
whereas in our British specimens there is no such punctuation (cf.
Ann. Soc. ent. France, lx, 1891, p. 676). Moreover I sent a specimen
of our " distinctus " to Eegimbart, who returned it to me as being
elongatus, Aube.
I cannot discriminate two species among our elongatus, though the
narrow specimens are I presume " var. angustatus, Aube."
I find no clear distinction given by Eegimbart, in his succession of
notices, of distinctus from elongatus beyond the minute punctuation of
the former I have mentioned above. But there exists in the Edwards
collection a male of elongatus having the elytra dull, and with an
effaced minute sculpture ; the serial punctuation of the elytra is
unusually fine, and the outer apical angle perhaps less rounded. I
consider this analagous with var. /5 of natator ; and the aadeagus is the
same as in ordinary elongatus. Still it is possible that Eegimbart' s
distinctus may be something of this sort.
The sedeagus of this species (figs. 6) is very similar to that of
1914.] ]35
natator, and still more to that of oblitus. Indeed I do not perceive any
distinction in the axleagus of several species of the genus that I can
rely on as satisfactory evidence of specific distinction.
6. Gr. bicolor Payk.
This species is not difficult to distinguish on account of its very
elongate form, and the strongly rounded apices of the elytra. Schiodte's
G. celox is referred to in the catalogues and books as a synonym of
bicolor, but the form of the apices of the elytra in his beautiful figure
shows that it refers to G. elongatus var. angustatus, and this was
Schiodte's own opinion. The sedeagus (figs. 9) is very different from
that of G. elongatus. The figure given of the median lobe of G. bicolor
by Mr. Edwards shows an unnatural amount of constriction in the
middle.
7. Gr. COLYMBUS El'.
G. caspius Sharp, Ent. Mo. Mag., v, 1868, p. 57.
This species is intermediate in shape between natator and elongatus,
and this is the best character for its recognition. There is an extremely
fine diffuse punctuation on the elytra, but this is so difficult to study
that it is better to rely on the shape for distinctive purposes. The
oedeagus (figs. 7) is very distinct, on account of the very broad, blunt
median lobe, which, however, in immature specimens may shrivel so as
to become constricted at the base (figs. 14).
Gyrinus caspius of Aube is said by Regimbart to be a mixture of
distinctus and elongatus.
8. Gr. striolatus Fowler.
G. colymbus Sharp, Ent. Mo. Mag., v, 1868, p. 58.
G. distinctus var. strigulosus Reg., Ann. Soc. ent France
1891, p. 677 (teste Fauvel, Rev. Ent. Franc, xiv, p. 92).
A broad, robust species, almost equalling natator in these respects,
but distinguished from it and all others by the dense distinct sculp-
ture of the surface of the elytra. This sculpture consists of short,
fine, oblique scratches, and can be perceived with a comparatively low
magnification. It is similar in the two sexes, and exists on the prono-
tum in a somewhat modified form. Female G. marinus makes some
approximation by its sculpture. The sedeagus (figs. 8) is like that of
marinus and bicolor, but the terminal sharp part is very remarkable.
9. Gr. opacus Sahib., nee auctt.
G. opacus var., Sharp, Ent. Mo. Mag., v, 1868, p. 59.
136 [June'
This species can only be confounded with the most dull varieties
of marinus and opacus, but it is more dull than any of them, and
when examined with a power of about 60 magn. it is seen that the
dullness arises from the surface being very finely alutaceous. The
species is also in remarkable contrast to the two for which it has been
mistaken, by having the claws of the middle and hind tarsi pale
yellow, although the apex of the tarsus is piceous. I do not know the
female. The male has the front tarsi broadly dilated, and the eedeagus
(figs. 12) is different from that of any other, being perhaps most like
that of G. colymbus. This species is an addition to the British Cata-
logue ; it is not the opacus of our collections. Suffrian 70 years ago
misinterpreted Sahlberg's description, and he has been followed by
others until his error was detected by Seidlitz in 1887, and by E.egim-
bart in 1891. The G. opacus of our British collections is the species
which I shall here characterise as edwardsi ; the dull variety of opacus
from Invercannich, mentioned by me in 1868 as " very curious " is,
however, the real opacus.
As the descriptions and remarks of Seidlitz and Regimbart con-
tain no reference to the two most important characters of opacus, (viz.,
the structure of the. sedeagus and the colour of the claws), I addressed
myself to my old friend, Dr. J. Sahlberg, of Helsingfors, and he has
been so good as to send me two of the original types from his grand-
father's collection, and a small series of more recently collected
examples from various parts of Scandinavia, and showing that our
Scottish mountain Gyrinus is really the same species as the Scandinavian
one. I am also indebted to Dr. Sahlberg for informing me that Count
Mannerheim pointed out Suffrian's error in 1847 (Stettin, ent. Zeit., p.
209), a fact with which I was previously unacquainted. This was 67
years ago, and yet in the latest European Catalogue, " opacus, Sahib.,"
is placed as a variety of marinus, G-yll., no doubt as a result of the
belief that " opacus, Suffr.," is the same species as that of Sahlberg.
The species has hitherto only been found in Scandinavia and
Iceland ; to which we may now add Scotland. I found it at Invercan-
nich in July, 1866, at Braemar in June, 1871, and again in June, 1909.
It is no doubt a boreal form, and comparatively solitary in habits. My
specimens were found, I believe, at a considerable elevation in company
with G. minutus. After G. minutus it is the most distinct and isolated
of our British Gyrini. G. opacus thus occurs from arctic Norway and
Lapland southwards to the Highlands of Scotland, and its occurrence
in the latter country is a matter of considerable interest. Dr. Sahlberg
1914.] 137
informs me that it inhabits rocky pools in company with Deronectes
griseostriatus, and this quite agrees with my recollection of the spot
where I found G. opacus at Braemar.
10. Gr. MARINUS Gyll.
In this species there is a marked distinction between the sexes in
the sculpture of the elytra. Before attempting to study this insect it
is therefore desirable to separate the sexes. The male is smaller than
the female, often not more than half the size ; it is more shining, and
when examined with a magnifying power of about 60, is seen to have
on the elytra a very fine, scanty general punctuation ; in the female
this punctuation is vastly more dense and distinct, and some of the
punctures are a little extended so as to become very short scratches ;
hence the comparatively greater dullness of this sex. There is a little
variation in the sculpture, but not much, and this common species can
always be identified by the male sedeagus, which has invariably a long,
slender, pointed extremity (figs. 10), and the female sexual sculpture.
11. (jr. EDWAEDSI, UOlll. UOV.
G. opacus Suffrian, Sharp, Edwards et auctt. plurr., nee Sahlberg.
In this species the individuals are smaller than in marinus ; but
as in both the male is considerably smaller than the female, it is
necessary to separate the sexes before comparing the two insects.
In the male of edivardsi the sedeagus (figs. 1 1) has the apical part
parallel-sided, and though slender, always truncate at the extremitv ;
and when carefully compared it is found that the shape is in otl
respects different in the two species, and there is no doubt as to t
distinction of the two.
The female of edwardsi is smaller than that of marinus and is a,
little different in shape ; it also has the serial punctures of the elytra
smaller; but these differences are only slight, and one meets with
specimens of this sex as to which I find it impossible to decide with
full confidence. Fig. 13 represents the styles of this sex.
This is the opacus of our collections in Britain. The species has
been believed by modern European authors to be the same as marinus,
and it has altogether disappeared from the European catalogue. There
is no doubt, however, as to its complete distinction from marinus,
although the two are frequently found in intimate association, and
although on cursory examination there appear to be numerous " inter-
mediates." This has been stated by Priederichs in Allg. Zeitschr. Ent.,
viii, p. 260, who is inclined to speak contemptuously of those who
138 [June,
consider the two species distinct. Herr Friederichs was, however, not
acquainted with the fact that Edwards had established the distinction
so far back as the year 1890. This species is at present without a
name, it having been, as previously stated, erroneously identified 70
years ago by Suffrian as the opacus of Sahlberg. I am, therefore,
very pleased to connect it with the name of Mr. Jas. Edwards, to
whom is due its first certain discrimination. Suffrian' s characters for
distinguishing marinus and " opacus (Stettin, ent. Zeit., 1842 and
1846) were correct so far as they went, but did not go far enough.
EXPLANATION OF PLATES IX, X.
Both the dorsal and ventral aspects of the sedeagus are figured :
the ventral is marked a, the dorsal aspect b. The chitinous portions
are shown by the aid of dots, the parts left undotted are membranous.
It will be noticed that no orifice is shewn, but the manner in which
the duct is extruded is shown in the illustration accompanying the
second page of this paper.
The figures have been drawn with the camera lucida by my
daughter, Margaret Annie Sharp, and she has taken much pains to
delineate correctly the amount of ehitinisation at the sides and tip of
the ventral aspect of the median lobe. This character is of great
interest and importance because on it depend ultimately the modifica-
tions in form of the median lobe. It is the most difficult point in
this study, because the limits of the ehitinisation are only indefinite
when the example is immature. Potash should be used with great
caution in making the preparation, as it is liable to cause shrivelling
and distortion.
Figs. 1. — G. minutus; a ventral, b dorsal.
„ 2. — „ urinator ; a „ b „
„ 3. — „ natator ; a „ b „
„ 4. — „ „ var oblitus ; a ventral, b dorsal.
„ 5. — „ suffriani ; a ventral, b dorsal.
„ 6. — „ elongatus ; a „ b „
„ 7. — „ colymbus ; a „ b „
„ 8. — „ striolatus ; a „ b „
„ 9. — „ bicolor ; a „ b „
„ 10. — „ marinus ; a ventral with basal piece ; b dorsal.
„ 11. — „ edwardsi ; a „ b dorsal.
„ 12. — „ opacus ; a „ b „
„ 13. — „ edwardsi, female styles.
„ 14. — „ colymbus, male, shrivelled specimen for comparison
with figs. 7 ; a ventral, b dorsal.
Brockenhurst :
February 23rd, 1914.
Jubilee No. Ent. Mo. Mag., June, 1914.
Thomas Blackburn,*
June, 18(54— May, 1866.
Henry Guard Knaggs,
June, 1864— May, 1874.
Robert McLachlan,*
June, 1864— May, 1904.
Edward Caldwell Rye,
June, 1S64— May, 1S84.
Henry Tibbats Stainton,*
June, 1S64— Dec., 1892.
John William Douglas,
June, 1874— Sept., 1905.
Charles Golding Barrett,
June, 1880— Deo., 1904.
Edward Saunders,
June, 1S80— Feb., 1910.
PAST EDITORS OF THE ENTOMOLOGIST'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE.
* Founders.
1914.] 180
PHTLHYDBUS HALOPHILUS, Bedel :
SUPPLEMENTAKY AND COEEECTIVE NOTE.
BY E. A. NEWBERT.
Since bringing forward the above species in the April number, I
have seen specimens from Deal. I find that the character given in my
table to separate P. Jialophilus, Bedel, from P. bicolor, Fab., depending
on the form of the transverse furrow on the head, is of no value, since
it is not constant, the furrow being often as angular as in bicol>r. Nor
is the character of the alutation at the base of the head of the
absolute value I ascribed to it, as it is present in bicolor behind the
eyes when the head is protruded, but is much less extensive than in
halophilus.
Bedel (Faune Seine, I, 310) separates the two species thus : —
Head testacecms, often with a small dark spot in middle ...bicolor, Fab.
Head black at least np to anterior margin of eyes ..Jialophilus, Bedel.
Ganglbauer (Kafer von Mitteleuropa, IV, 247) treats halophilus
as a synonym of bicolor, but states that it differs in its darker upper-
side ; the forehead more extensively black, or entirely so as far as the
clypeal suture ; the thorax usually with the disc extensively dark ; the
elytra reddish-brown or brown, lighter at the sides ; femora black with
reddish apex ; tibia} brown-red, often blackish at base ; tarsi rust-red.
He adds that it does not appear to him to differ specifically from bicolor.
Emitter (Fauna Grerni., II, 363) gives halophilus as one of the
numerous synonyms of bicolor, giving no separating characters.
With the exception of two evidently immature examples
Deal which are entirely testaceous, all the specimens of halophih
I have seen are at once distinguished from bicolor by the shining
head, with sharply defined triangular yellow spots in front of ey
think Capt. Deville is justified in considering it a good species.
13, Oppidans Eoad, N.W. :
May 11th, 1914.
ON THE VAEIATION IN BEITAIN OF COCC1NELLA
HIEBOGLYPHICA, L., WITH SOME COLLATEEAL MATTEE.
BY JAMES EDWARDS, P.E.S.
From a consideration of the various kinds of elytral pattern now
to be found in C. hieroglyphica, I conclude that at some period of its
existence the species had red elytra with a scutellar spot, shaped like
an inverted spear-head, and five others, namely : a linear one from the
1 4( ) [Jane,
middle of the base (1) ; a roundish one near the basal third of the
outer margin (2) ; one in the form of a very short transverse line on
the disk twice as far from the outer margin as from the suture (3) ; a
roundish one near the apical third of the outer margin (4) ; and a
roundish one opposite to 3 and midway between the latter and the
apex (5) ; as given in fig. a. No form possessing at the same time all
these separate spots has been recorded, but they are all obviously
present in a state of conjunction in what is regarded by Canglbauer
and others as the type form.
As the simple and convenient numerical system used on the
Continent for referring to the elytral spots in Cocinellidee has not
hitherto found its way into the English literature, I state it here.
Only the left elytron is considered ; the scutellar spot is \ , and the
others are numbered from left to right in transverse series from the
base to the apex; conjunction is expressed by the sign + . Weise
(Best. Tab. II., Coccinellidee, Ed. 2, p. 4, 1885) lays down six cases in
which a variety must have a separate name ; but the giving or with-
holding of a name in any particular instance is rather a matter to be
determined by considerations of convenience.
Commencing with those showing the least amount of black on the
elytra, the named forms found in Britain are as follows : —
brunnea, Weise, without black spots. Not uncommon.
tripunctata, B. C Eye, in which the black spots present are ^, 5.
Dorset, Chitty, teste Rye.
A form having |, 1 (reduced to a point), 3 (normal), of which
there is a specimen from Leith Hill, Surrey, in coll. Champion, might
be distinguished as ^-punctata.
curva, Weise, \, 1 + 3. Dallington Forest, Sussex, E. A. Butler;
Carlisle. Tomlin.
lineolata, Marsh., \, 1, 3, 5. This is septempimctata, B. G-. Rye,
and is not uncommon.
sinuosa, Marsh., |, 1 + 3, 5, (fig b). This is the same as 4<-fasciata,
Weise, and bracchiata, Cradl., and is the prevalent form in this countiy.
Spot 2 is sometimes present.
cervicomu, Cradler, |, 1 + 3, 2 + 1, 5. Woking, Leith Hill,
Champion.
sintcata, Naezen, |, 1 + 3 + 5, 4 (fig. c.) Ballycastle, Tomlin.
This form was known to Marsham.
flexuosa, Fab., 1 + 3 + |, 5. Scotland, Chitty, teste Rye ; Braemar,
Donisthorpe.
1914.] 141
schneideri, G-radl., 1 + 3 + f , 2 + 1, 4 + 5 (fig. d). A specimen
from Fleet, Hants, in coll. E. A. Butler. This constitutes a very near
approach to the type form,
hieroglyphica, L. (hastata, 01.). 1 + 3 + |, 2 + 1, 3 + 5+4
(fig. e). This, the prevalent form on the Continent, is decidedly rare
in British collections; I have only seen it from Leith Hill in coll.
Champion.
Specimens which exceed the type form in the amount of black
pigment developed, form a gradual series to those entirely black, as
exemplified by specimens from Leith Hill in coll. Champion ; but those
which appear at first sight entirely black are much more frequent than
those which are unmistakably spotted with red. Of the series in ques-
tion, the first is marginemaculata, Brahm, in which each elytron has
five spots, namely: an elongate-triangular one at the shoulder (1) ; a
curved oblong one near the middle of the base (2) ; another just
behind the middle of, and sometimes reaching, the outer margin (3) ;
a small sub-oval one near the suture just behind the middle (4) ; and
an elongate- triangular one at the apex (5) ; as in fig. /. Bistri-
verrucata, Haw., is the name applied to the form with the red spots
1, 3, 5, only ; but Haworth's description does not appear to me entirely
applicable ; hictuosa, Weise, has spots 3, 5 ; fuliginosa, Weise, 3 only ;
and areata, Panz., has the elytra entirely black above, or with the outer
margin narrowly pale. So far as British specimens are concerned
Weise's remark (t.c. p. 32) that the black forms are generally larger,
broader, and flatter than the pale ones, only applies to the fema
the males are just as narrow and convex as those of the pale for
In Coleopt. Brit. Isl. Ill, p. 164, the opinion is expressed t
A. obliterate, var. fenestrate, Weise, is occasionally mistaken fo. a
black form of C. hieroglyphica. I learn from Mr. E. A. Waterhouse
that the B,ev. Hamlet Clark's specimens are certainly hieroglyphica ;
Mr. Donisthorpe, moreover, is of opinion that the specimen called
fenestrata in the Power Collection is hieroglyphica, and there is there-
fore strong reason to believe that all the specimens mentioned by
British writers under the name of A. obliterata var. fenestrata, Weise,
really belong to one or other of the black forms of C. hieroglyphica.
According to my present experience, sinuosa, Marsh., is by far the
commonest form in Britain ; luctuosa, Weise, and its cognate forms
are not uncommon, whilst the others, with the exception of lineolata,
Marsh., are of only occasional occurrence in collections ; but it is quite
likely that this statement would be found inapplicable if this heath-
142 fJune>
loving species were systematically collected throughout its range in
this country.
I am not aware that any extensive study of the variation in the
British Coccinellidse has been published in recent years ; in some
quarters the subject is regarded as too trivial, but there can be little
doubt that the various kinds of colour-pattern are of importance to
the organism, and the history of the various species can hardly be
adequately treated unless this matter be taken into account. It may
be worth while here to record my experience that, in the case of vari-
able species, specimens found in cop. are very seldom both alike in
elytral pattern.
A. H. Haworth in a paper read before the Entomological
Society of London in November, 1807, and published in the first
volume of the Transactions of that body in 1812 (pp. 257-296), gives
a good account of the kinds known to him. This paper, possibly
owing to its scarcity, has not received the attention which it deserves ;
Mulsant (Sulcicolles-Securipalpes, 1846) quotes it, but only from
Stephens (Syst. Cat. Brit. Ins., 1829) and not at first hand; Weise
(I. c.) quotes Haworth as the author of the name bistriverrucata, but
he does not seem to have been aware that many of his own names fall
as synonyms to those of Haworth, e.g., C. 7 -punctata, var. h-notaia,
Haw. = extemepunctata, Weise; C. lO-jmnclata, var. bina, Haw. =
loricata, Weise; var. terna, Haw. = trig emina, Weise; C. W-ptunctata,
var. confluens, Haw. = longxda, Weise, and so on. In the Transactions
of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, Vol. Ill, pp. 477-
482, 1895, B. Gr. Bye has some il Notes on the varieties of the British
Coccinellidae " in which he gives names to many forms, but the majority
of these names fall as synonyms. He says that Adalia hyverborea had
been recently discovered at Beading by Dr. Andrews, but I learn on
inquiry that this gentleman is now satisfied that the specimen in
question is C. 10-punctata. Stephens' example of hyperborea came
from Scotland. Bye's paper is accompanied by a capital plate, and
his figures 9 and 10 represent two remarkable forms of C. 10-punctata
which do not exactly fit any description with which I am acquainted ;
the former, which he calls var. intermediata (sic), has the spots 1 + 3
+ 6, 3 + 4, 2, 5 ; the latter, to which he gives no name, has 4 + 4
forming a circular spot on the middle of the suture, 3 + 6+6 + 3
the transverse band formed by 6 + 6 connected with the central spot
along the suture, 1, 2, 5.
At a meeting of the Entomological Society of London on April 5th,
1914. 143
1882, the Eev. H. S. Grorham exhibited a Coccinella from Coleford,
Gloucestershire, which, being marked with four ocellated spots only,
was almost certainly the var. biocellata, Gebl., of Anatis ocellata.
Mr. G-orham, however, considered that it was intermediate between
the latter and Mysia oblongo-gutta fa, but he did not believe it to be a
hybrid. The report of this meeting goes on to say that several
members remarked on the really small amount of variation to be
found in this group, although commonly believed to be variable ; and
Mr. C. 0. Waterhouse said that only two British species could be said
to vary to any appreciable extent, namely C. variabilis and G. bipunc-
tata. We now know that species possessing a stable pattern are the
exception rather than the rule, and it seems doubtful whether, notwith-
standing the opinions just quoted, the insects in question were really
less variable in 1882 than they are at the present time.
In Coleopt. Brit. Isl. VI, p. 106, the name C. 11-punctata \a,r. con-
■fluens, Donisth., is retained on the ground that it is recognised in the
last European Catalogue ; but there are at least three reasons why the
name m question is untenable : (a) the name confluent is pre-occupied
for a variety of the same species by Haworth, 1812 ; (b) the insect has
a prior name, e.g., brevifasciata, Weise ; (c) the publication of the
name was unaccompanied by a description of the insect. Some speci-
mens of C. 11-punctata from Eenvyle, Co. Gtalway, given to me
by the late Canon Cruttwell, belong to var. nigrofasciata, Eossi
(2 + 3 + i, 4 + 5).
Anyone who wishes to know what varieties of our Coccine
have been characterised must consult Mulsant (op. cit.) ; he
with the matter very thoroughly, but uses distinctive letters ii
place of names, and therefore, to those who find that the latter are
more readily memorized than the former, his work is less useful than
it otherwise would have been.
Colesborne, Cheltenham :
March 3rd, 1914.
144 [June,
ANDRENA MIXTA, Schenck : A SPECIES HITHERTO UNRECORDED
FROM BRITAIN.
BY R. C. L. PERKINS, ?D.Sa, M.A., F.E.S.
Some time since I forwarded to Herr Alfken authentic British
examples of the species, which I described at first under the name of
A. ambigua (prxocc.) and have since re-named A. synadelpha. Sub-
sequently he wrote to me that the specimen, sent to him by Edward
Saunders as ambigua, was not that species, but a closely allied form,
A. mixta, Schenck. As I had long been aware that we had an un-
recorded British species of the helvola group, which I had taken on
Shotover Common, near Oxford,* many years ago, I wrote to Mr. Hugh
Scott of Cambridge for the loan of some of the Oxford examples of the
helvola group contained in my old collection. As I had surmised, the
form, which at the time of capture I had supposed to be a distinct
species, proved to be typical mixta. The Eev. F. D. Morice sent me a
very fresh ? captured last year in his garden at Woking for inspection,
and there are two or three females, without special locality, mixed with
helvola in F. Smith's collection. The $ , so far as I am aware, is not
at present known. If any entomologists have taken mixta $ freely, I
should be very pleased if they would allow me to examine any S taken
in the same locality. So far as the species, which have some super-
ficial resemblance to one another, are concerned, the British forms of
the helvola group may be readily distinguished as follows : —
? ?•
1 (4) Hairs of the hind coxse, and the floccus of the trochanters more or
less sordid, not clear white.
2 (3) 1st and 2nd abdominal segments densely hairy and copiously or
closely punctured ; abdomen duller . : varians, Rossi.
3 (2) 1st and 2nd abdominal segments with long but not dense clothing,
the punctures sparse or remote, the surface of the abdomen less
dull lapponica, Zett.
4 (1) Hairs of hind coxeb and the floccus snow-white or nearly so.
5 (6) Abdomen thinly and for the most part inconspicuously pubescent.
with the long pale hairs on the 1st and basal part of the second
segment not dense.
(Clypeus for the most part distinctly, closely, and nearly
evenly punctate on each side of the middle line)...
fucata, Sin.
6 (5) Abdomen densely pubescent.
* Two days after the ahove was written, 1 received a verv fresh ? taken this vear at Oxford
by Mr. A. H. Hanim on April 16th, an early date for the species.
1914.] 14g
7 (8) Scopus pale above, yellow or brownish yellow.
(Clypeus irregularly punctured ; apical impressions of 3rd
and 4th abdominal segments distinct, normal)... helvola, Linn.
8 (7) Scopse black or dark blackish fuscous above.
9 (10) Face largely clothed with pale whitish or white hairs, the clypeus
on either side of the smooth median line somewhat evenly
punctured, much as in varians ; apical impressions of the 3rd
and 4th abdominal segments in some aspects very distinct, and
not or hardly obliterated even in the middle, not abnormally
wide (vere long) mixta, Sen.
10 (9) Face sometimes almost entirely or altogether clothed with black
hairs, below the antennae often with sordid fuscous hairs ;
puncturation of clypeus sparser and more irregular ; apical
impressions of the 3rd and 4th segments much effaced or in-
distinct medially, and abnormally wide (vere long) occupying
by far the greater part of the segments, even when these are
not at all retracted synadelpha, P.
(ambigua, P.).
The $ of mixta, as stated above, is not known to me, while in this
sex the others are so easily separated that it is unnecessary to tabulate
them here. I am greatly indebted to Herr Alfken for calling my
attention to the existence of A. mixta in England.
Park Hill House,
Paignton :
May 10th, 1914.
HELP-NOTES TOWARDS THE DETERMINATION OF BRI
TENTHREDINID&, &c. (32— Continued.).
BY THE REV. F. D. MORICE, M.A., F.E.S.
(Concluded from page 52.)
Pictura. similar to that of Tenthredopsis certainly gives useful
specific characters in other genera, though, like all colour-characters,
it seems to vary occasionally in individual specimens of the same
species. Probably we may assume, though we cannot actually prove
it, that the same is the case here : and in that case, we have in it a
great number of definite and easily observed characters — for dis-
tinguishing varieties at least, and probably species. Forms in which
it is reduced to a minimum, appealing practically only on the face and
scutellum, can be separated easily and with some confidence from
forms where it is copious on all parts of the head and thorax. With
1 46 [June,
somewhat less confidence we can treat as probably distinct (<x) forms
with black tegulse, or sterna, or pleurae, etc. ; and (b) forms where the
parts in question are white or brightly yellow. Even in cases where
we feel instinctively that a character must be somewhat variable (e.g.,
the appearance of pictura in the shape of two small flecks on the
mesonotum, or of a yellow margin at the apex of the propodeum), its
presence will often suggest to us a possible determination of the
specimen under examination, though we should be cautious in drawing
inferences from its absence. Personally, though I cannot think it
proved, I think it more than probable that some, if not all, of these
characters are of real " specific " value ; and that, at any rate, we have
at present no other characters at once as easy and as likely to be
reliable, as the presence or absence of pictura albida vel flava in
particular portions of the integument.
Characters which are apparently fairly constant, but exceedingly
" critical," and liable to be seen by the inexperienced where they are
really non-existent, have been pointed out in the comparative turgidity
of the tempnra (" Head narrowed or otherwise behind the eyes ") ; the
exact dimensions and sculpture of the vertical area , the comparative
lengths of calcaria and metatarsi, etc., etc. Observations of such
characters made in haste, or in poor light, or without care to " pose "
the objects to be compared in the proper situation, are worse than
useless. And I have learned absolutely to distrust measurements of
such small objects made by the eye simply. If they have to be made,
they should be made with a proper micrometer, and at such magnifica-
tion that if the object is not exactly level, it cannot be sufficiently in
focus to be measurable at all !
May I venture to ask that anyone using my Tables shall take
not too literally every such unqualified expression as : entire, simple,
interstitial, immaculate, equal, all over, etc., etc. ? Allowance must be
made for the impossibility of making general statements without a
certain amount of inexactitude, and also for the fact that probably no
" character "is altogether invariable.
I have only to add, before commencing my Tabulation that, after
correspondence with Dr. Enslin on the subject, I am now convinced
that the black-faced Tenthredopsis with white-ringed antennae, which
Cameron identified with gynandromorpha, Eudow— a very mysterious
" species," and probably not a Tenthredopsis at all — may safely be
struck out of our List. It is doubtless T. andrei, Knw., a species
confined to the eastern part of the Mediterranean (Greece, Corfu, etc.)
1914]. 147
where it is by no means uncommon, and it is really incredible that it
should be a native either of Clydesdale from which Cameron (Vol. IV)
records it, or of the locality given by Rudow for his gynandromorpha,
viz., the Harz. The record must certainly be due to some confusion
on Cameron's part between specimens sent to him by correspondents
from abroad and captures of his own. I shall therefore omit it from
my Tables.
SYNOPTIC TABLE OF BEITISH TENTHRELOPSIS, ? ? .
1. Apical margin of clypeus without a definite "excision" in its middle ; but
it is often gently and evenly sinuated inwards throughout its whole
extent 2.
— Clypeus with a definite excision in the middle which does not extend to the
extremities of its apical margin. (For this and other characters of our
only British species, cf. Ent. Mo. Mag., October,' 1912.).... excisa, Thorns.
(= ornata, C, nee Lep.)
2. Large forms (about 12 mm. long) with the hypopygium (N B) very large,
prominent and deeply excised at its apex (just before the base of the
saw sheath). 2nd recru-rent n. interstitial with 2nd cubital n. Tegulse
and edge of pronotum black except in var. concolor. The group includes
many named varieties, differing greatly in colour among themselves, and
also (except var. concolor) from their very distinct and yellowish (white
and orange) male! (I have taken the latter paired with var. varia \)'
Formerly all were believed to be " good species."
I possess British specimens of the following forms, and quote a few
where I have taken them — but no doubt most of them occur in all parti
islands. (The following List is a corrected version of that given 1
October, 1912, and should be substituted for it.)
(a) Abdomen red to a large extent in the middle, black at base and
apex var. nigronotata, Cam. (Types at S. Kensington)
= thomsoni, Knw. (Taken in Warwickshire and
named by the author.)
(6) Abdomen black at base only, red at apex. Legs red...
varia, Gmel. (Surrey)
= cor data, C.
(c) Like varia but legs black cordata, Oeoffr. (Surrey)
= femoralis, C.
(d) Abdomen all black, legs red...
thoracica, Geoffr. (Surrey, Hants, Warwickshire)
= microcephala, C.
(e) Like thoracica, but legs black caliginosa, Cam. (Surrey).
148 [June>
(f) Ground-colour yellowish as in the $, but the abdomen maybe
more or less widely blackened above (no part of the body is
red). This form may possibly be included by Cameron under
his " nassata." It seems not to be very common...
concolor, Knw. (Surrey).
All the above forms occur on the Continent also.
(g) I suspect that nigriceps, C. (type at S. Kensington), is also a form
of this species. Its coloration, described (so far as I can see)
correctly by the author, separates it from any other known
species. But the whole apex of the 'abdomen, including the
hypopygium, has been removed, no doubt to extract the saws,
and it is impossible to say what the insect really is. Nothing
like it is known to continental authorities ! . . .
litter at a, Geoff r.
(= nassata, Thorns.)
— Hypopygium simple and normal, not excised at apex 3.
3. The original yellowish ground-colour of the body is replaced almost entirely
by black, or (on the abdomen only) by black and red. Such white or
yellow markings as occur are part of the pictura albida 4.
— Apart from pictura albida much of the body retains its pale yellowish
ground-colour. Certain regions of it, especially of its dorsal surface,
may be blackened more or less extensively in various forms, but on the
whole these may be called, as Cameron calls them, " the yellow species."
No form known to me as British could well be confounded with any of
those whose ground-colotirs are black and red.
There has been and still remains a good deal of doubt and confusion about
the classification and nomenclature of these forms. Cameron made at least six
species out of them. Konow in his Tableaux recognized only three, but latterly
told me that he held a fourth (dorsivittata, Cam.) to be a "good species."
Dr. Enslin distinguishes two, viz., (1) nassata, L. which includes Konow's
" nassata " and " tilise " (=raddatzi, Knw., olim) perhaps also dorsivittata, C , and
(2) a species which Konow called dorsalis, Lep. (but it would seem that this name
is unavailable, and at present I can only call it "sp?"). Personally I find it
almost impossible to distinguish Konow's " dorsalis " from the smaller forms
which Konow called varieties of tilise, but I will mention the characters on
which it has been held that they can be divided.
Forms of nassata. $ . Forms of sp ? (= "dorsalis," Knw.), ?
Vertex less transverse, i.e., squarer(!) Vertex more transverse, the dividing
and completely bisected by a furrow abbreviated posteriorly
longitudinal furrow. (i.e., rather a pit than a trench.)
Larger, 12 mm. long (but only typical Smaller 9 to 10 mm. long.
" nassata " reaches such dimen-
sions in this country !).
1914.] 149
Denticulation of saw coarser (at least Denticulation of saw finer (if inor-
it appears so in some of Cameron's nata, C, belongs to this sp.)
figures, but I do not know how
far these can be relied upon.)
Interstitial 2nd recurrent n. (but an 2nd recurrent n. not interstitial (but
semper?). an semper?). In a specimen
named dorsalis by Konow it is
decidedly interstitial !
Posterior calcaria as long as half the Posterior calcaria not so long as half
metatarsus. the metatarsus.
Mesopleur* hardly ever pale. Mesopleurse pale.
Various authors are responsible for the above characters, and as these took
different views of the limits of the species distinguished it is difficult to fit them
into a single diagnosis ! Some of them, I feel sure, are unreliable ; and it may
be doubted if others are sufficiently definite for practical purposes.
I will now try to separate the forms known to me, but must leave it to be
decided hereafter how they are to be divided into species.
(a) Large pale yellow $ ? which, but for their simple hypopygium,
might be thought to belong to litterata. Copious pictura
albida, and a minimum of black markings. 2nd recurrent n.
interstitial in all my own specimens. Spurs measure exactly
half the metatarsus. Vertex not very transverse, and evidently
sulcate completely down the middle...
Typical nassata, L., sec. Enslin (= nassata, Knw.).
(b) Considerably smaller than typical nassata, as are likewise all
following. May be known by the absence of pale colour
the back of the abdomen, which is practically black all c
(I have seen few British specimens.)...
lividiventris, Cam. (at S. Kensington;
= "tilise var. sagmaria," Knw. (determined ab ipso !).
(c) Back of abdomen with a broad black central vitta, but pale
laterally albomaculata, Cam. (at S. Kensington)
= tilise var. vittata, Knw. {det. ab ipso !).
(d) Like the last, but the vitta is narrower, nearly linear. Pleurae
pale tilise var. dorsata, Knw. {det. ab ipso!).
(e) Like the last, but the metapleurie are black...
dorsivittata, Cam. (determined by Knw. !).
(/) The vitta on the abdomen has disappeared altogether...
tilise var. inornata, Knw. (det. ab ipso).
This is certainly not the inornata of Cameron !
(g) Exceedingly like (d). In fact I can see no tangible difference...
" dorsalis, Lep.," determined for me by Konow.
150 [June,
(h) Perhaps a little smaller and paler, otherwise I cannot separate it
from (/) " dorsalis var. diluta, Knw." (det. ab ipso).
(i) Inornata, Cam., is represented by a single 9 at S. Kensington. I
have examined it, but can say only that its ground-colour is
more brown (less yellow) than in most forms, and that it
gives me the idea of a specimen of (c) or some variety near it
which had been discoloured to a certain extent accidentally
— possibly by too long sojourning in a damp killing-bottle.
Consequently the dorsal black vitta shows less by contrast
than usual. (Its saw, as figured by Cameron, certainly
appears to have features which may be really distinctive. But
one would like to see more specimens !).
I must say that in all the above series I find no positive break at any point,
except between (a) and (b) and should have been inclined to consider all from
(b) to (i) as one species, but that they are thought to be associated with two
very dissimilar $ g , and till this point is cleared up, I do not feel able to form
any definite opinion nassata, L., sec. Enslin.
and
sp ? (= dorsalis, Lep., sec. Knw.).
[Since the above was written I have heard from Dr. Enslin that, having
examined British specimens sent to him by me of all the above forms except
(i), he refers (a) only — the large pale form — to nassata, and all the rest to
Konow's " dorsalis," which provisionally he calls " inornata, Cam.," the name
dorsalis, Lep., being pre-occupied by an earlier dorsalis, Spin. — F. D. M.].
4. Tegulse white or sulphur-yellow, concolorous with the edge of the pro-
notum 5 .
Tegulse fuscous black or brown ; if pale brown, at least they are darker
than the edge of the pronotum 6.
5. Hind femora black ; a robust and highly coloured species. Base of meso-
notum (inner corner of its middle lobes) marked with two paired
yellow streaks : this character is liable to be obliterated by unskilful
pinning ! The posterior margin of the propodeum ( = med. segment)
is conspicuously and broadly yellow. On the abdomen the sides, and
two or three dorsal segments, are deep red, but this colour is more or
less interrupted by a black central vitta of variable breadth — some-
times reduced to a mere line austriaca, Knw.
— Hind femora red. Much smaller than austriaca, but like it very highly
coloured. The tempora are almost entirely white, and there is often a
conspicuous pale fascia at the apex of the propodeum. The red of the
abdomen is often immaculate ; if interrupted, the black vitta is seldom
very noticeable. (I believe that picticeps, C, and flavomaculata, C, are
merely varieties of one species. The distinctions drawn between them
by the author do not hold good for the specimens in his own collection.
In Vol. I the tegulse of these " species " are called * fuscous ' and
1914.] 151
' black ' respectively, but in Vol. IV they are said to be ' pale or white.'
The earlier statement was evidently a mere error. Konow's parvula
is probably a variety of the same species) flavomaculata, C.
= picticeps, C.
6. Hind femora red. (Perhaps this also is a variety of the last species) ...
elegans, Knw.
— Hind femora black 7.
7. Mesonotum (inner corner of its middle lobes marked with two little white
flecks .fenestrata, Knw.
— Mesonotum immaculate 8.
8. Abdomen very dark ; the red on its dorsal surface reduced to mere lateral
spots or obscure narrow streaks or even absent altogether 9.
— Abdomen clearly and conspiciiously belted with red 12.
9. Propodeum with a broad yellow margin as in austriaca, of which it may
be possibly a melanic form. It is a rather large insect, and the con-
trast between its dark abdomen and the copious pictura albida of its
head and thorax give it a very striking appearance. (This is the
tristis of Bi'itish authors— Stephens, Cameron, and Kirby — but not of
Fabricius, and as that name is accordingly unavailable, I suggest
tristior to replace it) tristior, n.n.
( = tristis, Steph. etc.).
nee F.
— Propodeum entirely black 10.
10 A rather large and obsctirely coloured form with pictura albida reduced
to a minimum ; thorax with only the scutellum, etc., white. Dorsum
of abdomen entirely black, only its sides dull brownish-red.
tenipora seem to be entirely fulvous-brown, and there are indie
of the same colour on the lateral lobes of the mesonotum.
The only example I have seen of this is Cameron's type of
viceps." I feel quite sure that it has nothing to do with Stephens'
fulviceps, which = palmata, Geoff r. (scutellaris, C), but what it is I
cannot say, and on a single specimen I do not care to propose a new
name for it sp. ?
(= fulviceps, C, nee Steph.).
— Smaller, head not brown 11.
11. 2nd recurrent n. normally interstitial, edges of pronotum more or less
pale. Hind tibise red spreta, Lep.
— 2nd recurrent n. not interstitial, edges of pronotum black. Hind legs
very dark ; rufescence of tibia? obscure ; hind tarsi black, with some of
the intermediate joints sordidly white thornleyi, Knw.
12. Red of abdomen extending over four or five segments and generally
immaculate. Pictura albida very little developed ; even the clypeus is
seldom entirely white (it may even be black altogether !), and on the
152 [June,
thorax only the scutellum and cenchri are pale. Hind legs generally
very dark, as in thornleyi ; tibiae often, and metatarsi probably always
practically black. Tempora rather swollen behind the eyes.
A common species, and easily recognized in most cases by the
colour of the abdomen and the infuscated clypeus ... coquebertii, Kl.
— Eed of abdomen seldom extending much beyond three segments. Hind
legs (except the black femora) not very dark (generally smaller than
coquebertii, but all these forms are very variable in size). Clypeus
generally immaculate white 13.
13. Head narrowed behind the eyes, tempora usually rather widely flavescent.
Edges of pronotum usually yellowish ; the tegulse darker, varying
from pale-brown to fuscous or black. The red on the abdomen occupies
3 to 4 segments and is very often interrupted in the centre. (This
species was first called by Konow Scutellaria, Pz., and afterwards
campestris, L., but I cannot think that either identification was correct.
In Dr. Enslin's Tables it is still called campestris, L., but from the
latest communications I have received from him, I gather that he no
longer holds that view. The Tenthredo campestris of Linne's collection
is not a Tenthredopsis at all. Dr. Enslin believes that our species is
palmata, Geoffr., and provisionally I shall call it so ...palmata, Geoff.
( = scutellaris, C.)
— Head not narrowed behind the eyes. Very like palmata, but with rather
less pictura albida, and the red of the abdomen commonly occupying
three segments only, and immaculate. (Dr. Enslin treats this form,
and also elegans, Knw., vide supra — as varieties of picticeps. I think,
however, that, as yet, we have no sufficient evidence to settle this
question, and can express no opinion of my own about it). According
to Konow gibberosa may be recognized by the unusual convexity of its
scutellum ; but I do not think that this character (even if it be real)
is sufficiently definite to be very useful gibberosa, Knw.
NOTES ON BRITISH PHORA (Further Additions).
BY JOHN H. WOOD, M.B.
Phora connexa, sp. n. Most nearly allied to vitrea, with which I
shall compare it in the following description : —
S ■ Thorax, abdomen, and frons dull black. Costa and veins black, in
vitrea brown ; thin vein 1 leaves with a bold curve, the curve gentle in vitrea.
Legs blackish-brown or brownish-black, in vitrea yellowish-brown ; hind femora
stouter than in vitrea, and the outside spurs of the hind tibise (small and deli-
cate in vitrea) of good size and stoutness. The ventral flaps of the hypopygium
narrower than in vitrea and more equal on the 2 sides, also the anal organ
longer. In other respects like vitrea. 1| mm.
1914.] 1 53
I have taken 3 males— 2 of them indoors, both in the first week
of August, 1912, and the 3rd was found mixed up with vitrea, the
locality and date being Stoke Wood, 14/10/09. The most obvious
points for its recognition are the dark legs, and the bold sweep of
the 1st thin vein into the area of the wing. With lutei-femorata it
agrees in the stoutness of the hind femora and the curve of the 1st
thin vein, but otherwise is quite different. For in hdei-femorata, to
mention only some of the distinctions, the legs are yellow ; the
hypopygium smaller, its flaps symmetrical, very long, slender and
of a yellow colour, and bent at the base ; and lastly the 2nd and 3rd
costal divisions in both sexes are distinctly swollen, an important
character overlooked in the original description.
ApMochxta submeigeni, sp. n. Extremely like meigeni, but not
half the size, and with no bristles on the outer- side of the seam on the
middle and hind tibiae.
9 . As in meigeni the thorax is yellow or reddish-yellow, the abdominal
segments black with yellow hind-margins, the 2nd segment projecting at the
sides and hence wider than the others. The head has been rather pressed out
of shape, but the several parts apparently as in meigeni. Wings almost colour-
less, costa barely to wing middle, venation as in meigeni. Legs yellow, a dark
spot at apex of hind femora, tibial bristles large and sparse, and present only
on the inner side of the seam, no trace of any on the outerside of seam. 1| mm.
I took a single female on the Monnow, 22/6/12. The absence of
all trace of a double row of bristles on the middle and hind t
which is the characteristic of the meigeni group, seems to I
sufficient importance for treating it as a distinct species.
ApMoclxseta elongata, sp. n. This also belongs to Section B, —
which the scutellar bristles are 4 in number, and its position will be
next to campestris.
9 . Thorax and abdomen black, the former somewhat shining and with
bristles on the meso-pleurse ; the latter dull, long and slender, segment 2 the
widest, the others gradually diminishing, the last or 6th cylindrical, and
remarkably long and narrow, considerably longer than any other segment, and
armed with some small bristles at the end. Frons somewhat shining, fully
\ broader than long ; supra-antennal bristles small and approximated, i.e., well
within an alignment with the inner bristles of the middle frontals, the under
pair half the size of the upper ; antennae rather small ; palpi dusky yellow.
Wings nearly clear, veins yellow, fringe rather short, costa barely to wing
middle, 1 fxdly twice as long as 2, angle at fork moderate, thin vein 1 runs
with a gentle and uniform curve to end well in front of the apex. Legs
yellowish-brown, tibial bristles rather weak. 1} — 1\ mm.
154 fJune>
The male I have not yet come across, but I have before me
3 females, all taken in Stoke Wood, the dates being 12/7/07, 15/5/12,
and 19/6/12. The only one of our British species for which it could
be mistaken would be campestris, but besides many small differences,
the elongated ovipositor-like 6th segment would be amply sufficient to
distinguish it.
Aphiochseta vestita, sp. n. A deep black insect with palish wings,
belonging to Section D, and according to the table falling into the
neighbourhood of pectoralis and clavipes, but considerably larger than
either and with little general resemblance to them.
$ . Thorax and abdomen black ; the former scarcely shining, the
pubescence on the hinder part between the doiso-centrals strongly developed,
the individual hairs projecting well beyond the margin, meso-pleurae strongly
bristled but without one specially large. Frons slightly shining, about ^ broader
than long ; 4 nearly equal supra-antennal bristles, the upper pair just within
an alignment with the inner bristles of the middle frontals, the under pair
closely approximate ; antennae and aristae normal ; palpi black and well bristled.
Wings pale yellowish-brown, fringe long, costa leather more than f wing length,
1 more than half as long again as 2 + 3, angle at fork small, thin vein 1 leaves
almost without a curve. All the legs, even the fore ones, black ; hind femora
and tibial stout, the bristles on the latter small and delicate. Halteres deep
black. 1£ mm.
One female taken in Stoke Wood a year or two ago on the last
day of April. Although but a single specimen, there can be no doubt
of its being a good species. The hairiness of the thorax behind is a
most unusual feature, and other important characters serve at once to
distinguish it from any of the forms with which either of the two Tables
bring it into connection.
Hypocera irregularis. Not one of my captures last autumn grati-
fied me more than the sweeping up from under spruces in Stoke Wood
of a 2nd male of this interesting insect, confirming as it does the
original description in every detail, down to the hair-like inner branch
of the 2nd thick vein, which must therefore be considered a normal
character and not, as was thought it might be, an accidental one.
Aphiochseta derasa. Mr. Brues of the Bussey Institution writes
me that a prior name for this is albidohaUeris, Felt. The author
described it from American specimens, so that it must be an insect of
very wide distribution. I learn from Mr. F. W. Edwards of the
British Museum that he has bred it from mushrooms, bought in
the market.
Tarrington, Hereford:
March 11th, 1914.
""•I 155
Wicken Fen. — The National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural
Beauty have now made arrangements for the appointment of a watcher for
their property in Sedge Fen, Wicken, Cambridgeshire. Applications for per-
mission to visit this property should be addressed to A. H. Evans, Esq.,
Secretary of the Local Committee, 9, Harvey Road, Cambridge ; or to
S. H. Hamer, Esq., The Secretary of the National Trust, 25, Victoria Street,
London, S.W. — S. H. Hamer, Secretary : April 24th, 1914.
Timarcha punctata, Laich. -an introductian by commerce. — On October 16th
and again on November 4th, I picked up a Timarchid beetle on the road near
my house. It was obviously neither of our British species, and so, in the
absence of a good reference library or museum, I sent it to my friend,
Mr. W. E. Sharp. He passed it on to Mr. Newbery, who named it from the
British Museum collection as Timarcha punctata, Laich. It hails from Tripoli,
Tunis, and Marocco, and had probably, as I at first suspected from the fact that
Timarchid species are common in North Africa., been introduced in esparto
grass for use in the local paper mill. It seems probable that a search in the
stores of this material would reveal a number of other beetles from the chotts
of the Atlas region.- Geo. B. Walsh, 166, Bede Burn Road: May, 1914.
Aquatic Coleoptera in Cumberland. - There appears to be but one record of
the occurrence of Deronectes latus in Cumberland, and that refers to its capture
near Lanercost, in 1855. I took a single specimen of this beetle last month
(April) in a small beck which nrns into the Oaldew, near Cummersdale, Carlisle.
Its reappearance after sixty years is of some interest.
In the "Transactions of the Carlisle Natural History Society," Mr. F. H. Day
refers to an old record of Hydrsena nigrita from the Caldew, but doubts
authenticity as modern collectors have not found the beetle in Cumberland,
am glad to add some confirmatory evidence for this record. I took Hydra
nigrita from the same beck as Deronectes latus, again a, single specim
Hydrsena gracilis and Platambus maculatus also occurred. Mr. Balfour Brovt
has kindly confirmed the identity of these specimens. — H. H. Wallis, Trent
College, Derbyshire : May, 1910.
Proteinus crenulatus, Pand., in Cumberland. — As supplementary to the
records of this beetle in this Magazine, ante, p. 92, I may state that I have a
specimen in my collection taken within the boundary of the City of Carlisle.
It was taken last March from hedge cuttings which had laid over winter in a
lane. In addition to the middle tibias being strongly crenulate, the lower
halves of the hind tibiae are also crenulated. — Jas. Murray, 2, Balfour Road,
Carlisle : April 11th, 1914.
Early emergence of Dicranura bifida. — On April 19th I found a newly-
emerged J Dicranura bifida on the trunk of a poplar at Cookham. — C. G
Doughty, 12, Woodstock Street, Oxford Street, W. : April 20th, 1914.
156 tJune'
IJeuieius.
" The Indian Journal of Medical Research." The Official Organ of
the Indian Research Fund Association. Vol. I, No. I. July, 1913. Thacker
Spink & Co., Calcutta. Price, 2 rupees.
This Journal is to be a quarterly one, the subscription being 6 rupees in
India, 10/- foreign, and the number under review contains 211 pages and
numerous plates. The articles devoted to Entomology comprise two joint
papers by Messrs. W. S. Patton and F. W. Cragg, of the King Institute,
Gundry, Madras ; and two by F. M. Hewlett, Imperial Pathological Entom-
ologist. The first of the joint papers is entitled " On certain Hsematophagous
Species of the Genus Musca," and deals with four species of Musca (two of them
described as new to Science), which though blood-suckers, are not " biters," but
resort to open sores and the wounds inflicted by other " biters." The second
joint paper is entitled " A new species of Philsematomyia, with some remarks on
the genus." The drawings by Mrs. Patton represent both sexes of all the
species on a large scale, with figures of the egg, larvae, and pupae. The first of
Mr. Howlett's papers is on " The natural host of Phlebotomus minutus," which
he finds to be lizards of the family Gechonidse ; the other forms Part I of a
treatise on " Insect life-histories and Parasitism."
" Syrphid-s: op Ohio." By C. L. Metcalf. Bulletin No. 1 of the Ohio
Biological Survey, forming No. 31 of Vol. XVII of the Ohio State University
Bulletin, published by the University of Columbus, Ohio. June, 1913.
pp. 122, pis. 11.
This paper brings together, and summarizes the results of, a number of
observations on the life-histories of Syrphidz?, published from time to time in
the *' Ohio Naturalist," with the addition of a useful summary of the recorded
biology of the family and a record of the species which up to the present have
been captured in Ohio. Two interesting facts recorded by the author are
(1) that the larvae of Paragus feed on Aphids occuring on Bumex, Arctium,
and Carduus, and (2) that the larvae of Syrphus xanthostomus and an un-
determined species live inside the gall of gall-producing Aphids of the genera
Pemphigus and Colopha. Eight of the black and white plates are devoted to
illustrating details of larvae and pupa1, but the author would have materially
assisted one in studying the figures if he had used the same reference letter to
an anatomical detail in all figures. The economic value of many Syrphidm,
owing to the aphidophagous habits of the larvae, has been very little appre-
ciated, and consequently little studied. It is to be hoped that the present work
will stimulate research along these lines.
1914.] 157
ttuarg.
The Rev. Edwin Newson Bloomfield, M.A. — The veteran Rector of Guestling
Sussex, recently passed away at the Rectory after a short illness in his 87th
year. Born in Suffolk on Sept. 25th, 1827, he began to take an interest in
Natural History when quite a boy, being attracted chiefly to botany and geology.
In October, 1846, he went to college, and after graduating remained at Cambridge
till 1863. During these years he had the privilege of admission to the Ray
Club, a small Natural History Society, which met once a week and consisted of
twelve members and six associates, and in this way he came into close touch
with many distinguished scientific men. His principal interest at this time was
in botany and geology, and he contributed largely to Henslow and Skepper's
" Flora of Suffolk," published in 1860. Leaving Cambridge in 1863, he became
rector of Guestling, near Hastings, a position which he held till his death.
At this place he took up the study of Lepidoptera, and for this the extensive
woods in close proximity to the Rectory gave him exceptional opportunities.
In 1876, in conjunction with the writer and several other local naturalists he
entered enthusiastically into the scheme for publishing catalogues of the flora
and fauna of the Hastings district. The original list, published in 1878, was
followed at intervals by three supplements. Since 1898, further additions have
been annually recorded in the " Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist," his last
contribution being published in April of the present year. He also paid a good
deal of attention to British Diptera, and contributed largely to the compilation
of lists of the flora and fauna of Norfolk and Suffolk, himself publishing a
good list of the Suffolk Lepidoptera. He joined the Entomological Society of
London in 1886. His was a most genial character ; he rejoiced in the successes
of others, and was always ready to place his large stores of knowledge at tVio
disposal of any who needed such help. He was never married. — E. A.
Societies.
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union .- Entomological Section.— On the
kind invitation of Professor W. Garstang, M.A., F.Z.S., a large number of the
members of the Entomological Section of the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union
visited the Leeds University on March 21st last, the special object being to
examine the very fine collection of Exotic and European Lepidoptera formed
by the late Mr. A. H. Clarke, which had been presented to the Leeds University
Museum. The Collections were studied with great interest and admiration so
long as daylight allowed, after which the members were most hospitably enter-
tained to tea by the President of the Section, Dr. E. O. Croft. In the evening
a meeting was held in the University, when two papers were read : the first, by
Professor Garstang, on " Mimicry in Lepidoptera," illustrated by a large number
of specimens ; the other, by Mr. B. Morley, on " the effects of four years
defoliation of trees in West Yorkshire woods by larvae of the Hybernidse." Both
papers were of great interest, and created a good deal of discussion among the
members. Afterwards, Mr. W. D. Roebuck introduced the subject of " Nature
158 -June'
Eeserves in Yorkshire," but the hour being late, discussion on it was postponed
to the yearly meeting of the Section in October next. — G. T. Porritt.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society
Thursday, April 9th, 1914. — Mr. E. Adkin in the Chair.
Mr. C. P. Emniett was elected a Member.
Mr. R. Adkin exhibited three Basychira fascelina, one with the usual
black transverse lines largely yellow, and another with the black markings
intensified, with absence of the yellow freckling. Mr. Edwards, several very
conspicuous and beautiful Heterocera from Burmah, including Argina argus,
Euchromia formosa, &c. Mr. Sich, specimens of Lita melanella from Weymouth,
first discovered in England by the late Mr. Boyd in 1858. Mr. Hy. J. Turner,
a long series of Erebia prono'e from the Austrian Tyrol and Switzerland, and
read notes on the variation, both local and aberrant, and the distribution of the
species. Mr. West, Greenwich, several drawers of the Society's Collection of
British Lepidoptera, to show the additions made in the Pyrales and Tortrices by
the donations of Mr. Dawson. Mr. Piatt Barrett, a series of Coccyx strobilella
bred from spruce cones collected at West Wickham some weeks ago.
Thursday, April 23rd, 1914. - Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., E.E.S., President, in
the Chair.
A Special Exhibition of Orders other than Lepidoptera. Mr. Stanley Edwards
exhibited numerous large and conspicuous species of exotic Coleoptera and
Hymenoptera. Mr. Ashdown, a collection of Swiss Coleoptera including 40
species of Longicornia taken by himself. Mr. Gibbs, the lantern-fly Fulgora
lanternaria and other conspicuous insects sent to him from British Honduras,
among a collection of butterflies and moths. Mr. Step, <? and ? Asilus crabro-
niformis, a predaceous Dipteron, with Tachina grossa and T. /era, two hairy
flies which attack larvffi. Mr. West (Greenwich), 13 drawers of the Society's
reference collection (Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera and
Hemiptera), a box of typical examples of Biptera presented to the Society by
Mr. Andrews, and his own collection of British Homoptera. Mr. C. B. Williams,
the beetle Lochmaea suturalis on heather from Cheshire, and willow stems
damaged by larvae of Cecidomyia saliciperda. Mr. Andrews, the following very
rare Biptera and contributed notes : — Lispe pygmsea, Fall., Limnophora sestuum,
Vill., Macronychia griseola, Fall., all from Porthcawl ; Phorbia pava, Ztt., from
Chattenden ; Fannia ciliata, Stein, from Milf ord ; and Chirosia parvicornis, Ztt.,
from N. Kent. Mr. R. Adkin, RdseFs Ber Natuurlyke Historie der Insecten.
Mr. Dennis, photographs of plant-galls. Mr. E. E. Green, many species of
Coccidx, largely from Ceylon, with coloured drawings of their life-histories.
Mr. B. Adkin, pieces of bark showing depredations of the Homoptera. Chermes
corticalis on larch, and C. viridis on Weymouth pine. Mr. Moore, 925 mites of
the genus Gamasus taken from a beetle. — H. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
1914]. 159
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, April 1st, 1914. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, President, in the Chair.
Mrs. Maria Ernestina Walsh, Soekaboemi, Java ; Messrs. J. P. Ramakrishna
Aiyra, B.A., F.Z.S., The Agricultural College, Coimbatore, S. India ; Eugene
Bendefitter, 11, Rue St. Jaques, Le Mans, France ; Rev. Prebendary Edward
Grose Hodge, The Vicarage, Paddington ; A. J. T. Janse, 1st Street, Gezina,
Pretoria, S. Africa ; Charles Nicholson, 35, The Avenue, Hale End, Chingford,
N.E. ; Frederic de la Mare Norris, B.Sc, The Agricultural Department, Kuala
Lumpur, Malay States, were elected Fellows of the Society.
Dr. T. A. Chapman exhibited some specimens of the genus Curetis from the
Tring Museum, to illustrate a point of mimicry. Dr. F. A. Dixey, specimens of
Pierinse from Western China, with drawings of their scent-scales, and remarked
on them. Mr. O. E. Janson, both sexes of a new Papilio belonging to the
gambrisius group and apparently most nearly allied to P. ormenus, Guer., also
the rare Papilio gabrielis, Roths., both recently received from the Admiralty
Islands. Mr. Donisthorpe, a small nest of the ant Cremastogaster sclienki,
Forel, from Madagascar, fastened on the stem of a tree ; also a small beetle,
Stmiclaviger sihoras, Wasmann, which came out of this nest, and is a guest of
C. schenki. Mr. C. B. Williams, specimens of the genvis Acerentulus of the
order Protura. Mr. E. B. Ashby, a 9 of Dryas pandora, with darkly suffused
underside hind-wing, very near the ab. Ulacina, Obth., from La Granja ; also
an aberration of Melitsea athalia, from Hinterzarten, belonging to the eos
group of aberrations of this species.
The following papers were read : " Descriptions of South American Micro-
Lepidoptera," by E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S., F.E.S. " A Revision of the Tipulid
Genus Styringomyia," by F. W. Edwards, F. E S. — Geo. Wheeled
Secretary.
SOME RECORDS OF SCOTTISH SIPHONAPTERA.
BY JAMES WATERSTON, B.D., B.Sc.
{Continued from page 91.)
Cebatophylltjs sciurorum, SchrJc.
$, Sciurus vulgaris, Pitlochry, N. B. 16.iv.1898. Presented by Mr. Peace
(Brit. Mus.).
$ $ , 9 , Sciurus vulgaris, Innerwick, East Lothain. P. H. Grimshaw.
1899(F). (Rothsch. Coll.).
Mustela erminea, Lethen, Nairn. A. Brodie. 25.xi.1899. (Rothsch. Coll.).
2 J $ , 12 9 9 , Sciurus vulgaris, Fortrose, Mr. Oldfield Thomas. (Rothsch.
Coll.).
Also in Rothsch. Coll. (L. G. Esson) —
11 $ $ , 3 9 9, Mustela erminea, Durris, Aberdeenshire. 6.ii.ll.
c? , Sciurus vulgaris, Cults, Aberdeenshire. 3.i.l2.
9 , Mustela erminea, Nigg, Kincardineshire. 13.L12.
$ and ? . Sciurus vulgaris, Cupar, Fife. Nov., 1912. J. Skinner.
N i
1(J0 [June, 1914.
Ceratophyllus penicilliger, Grube.
£ £, ? ¥, Hypudaeus glareolus, North Berwick, N. C. E. Sept., 1898.
(Eothsch. Coll.).
£ and ? £ , Putorius ermineus, Balminnoch, "Wigtownshire. Harold
Schwann. 30.X.04. (Kothsch. Coll.).
£ , Mus decumanus, Carie, Eannoch, N. B. F. J. Cox. 15.vii.06. (Eothsch.
Coll.).
2 £ £ , Mustela vulgaris, Kinneff, Kincardineshire. J. E. Fraser. 28.ii.10.
9 £ £ > 10 ? ? , Microtus orcadensis, Sanday, Orkney. W. E. O. Grant.
23— 27.vi.ll (Eothsch. Coll.).
The Kothsch. Coll. contains the following from Hypudseus glareolus, taken
by L. G. Esson —
(a) Aberdeen —
7 £ £ , 9 , Hilton. Dec, 1910— Jan., 1912.
6 £ £ ,16 9 9, Cairncry. 16— 21.xi.ll
39 £ £ , 54 9 9 , Eosehill. Nov.— Dec, 1911.
2 £ £, Banks of Don. 28.X.11.
(&)
9 , Craigiebuckler. 29.x. 10.
3 £ £ , 3 9 9 , Achmore, Assynt, near Lairg, Sutherlandshire. 28.ii.ll.
3 £ £ , 6 9 9 j Nigg, Kincardineshire. 15.xii.ll.
Ceratophyllus walkeri, Bothsch.
£ , Hypudmus glareolus. Eosehill, Aberdeen. L. G. Esson. ll.xi.ll
(Eothsch. Coll.).
The remaining Ceratophylli occur in birds' nests. Specimens taken on the
birds themselves have received an asterisk.
Ceratophyllus gallinje, SchrJc.
£ £ , 9 9 j Passer domesticus, and Turdus merula, Carie, Eannoch, N.B.
F. J. Cox. 23-24.vii.08. (Eothsch. Coll.).
2 9 ? > Gallus domesticus, Kinneff, Kincardineshire. J. E. Fraser. 14.vi.09.
9 , Muscicapa grisola, Kinneff, Kincardineshire. Mr. Cormack. 15.vi.09.
9 £ £ , 15 9 ? j Stumus vulgaris, Loudoun, Ayrshire. J. Gloag. 12.vi.09.
3 £ £ y 8 9 ? j Hirundo rustica, Howletburn, Galston, Ayrshire. J. Gloag.
Sept., 1910.
£,2 9 9 j Cat, Kinneff. J. E. Fraser. 28.ii.10. (In company with
S. cuniculi.)
From the Ollaberry district, North Mavine, Shetland : —
9 £ £, 11 9 9 , 8. vulgaris, nr. Manse. June, 1910.
2 £ £ , 4 9 ? j same host, Little Eoe Island, Yell Sound, in rabbit hole.
July, 1910.
DESIDERATA.
Mr. J. Edwards, Colesborne, Cheltenham, will be grateful to Entomologists,
■who have collected Coleoptera or Hemiptera in Norfolk during the past five yearss
for particulars of their captures for present publication.
STEVENS' AUCTION ROOMS. Established 1760.
TUESDAY, JUNE 30th.
J^[R. J. C. STEVENS will offer by Auction the Collection of British
Macro-Lepidoptera formed by Mr. C. Capper, comprising long series of recently
bred examples with data, many interesting varieties and hybrids.
The Collection of British Macro-Lepidoptera formed by the late Mr. J. H. Threlfall,
including the Tortrices and Tineas and the Psychidae and Pterophoridae, together
with other properties.
Catalogues in course of preparation. 38, King St., Covent Garden, London, W.C.
WATKIHS & DON CAST BE, Satinets,
Keep in stock all Articles for Entomologists, Ornithologists, Botanists, &c. : Umbrella
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useful for Coleopterists, Microscopists, &c), 4/6 ; Brass Chloroform Bottle, 2/6.
Improved Pocket Pupa-digger in leather sheath (strongly recommended), 1/9 ; Steel
Forceps, 1/6 to 3/- per pair ; Pocket Lens, from 1/6 to 8/6.
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Scalpels, with ebony handles, 1/3 ; Fine Pointed Scissors, 2/- per pair ; Brass Blow-
pipes, 4d., 6d. ; Egg Drills, 2d., 3d. ; ditto, best quality, 9d. each ; Botanical Vascu-
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English Names, 1/6; List of British Lepidoptera (every species numberern i /- -
or on one side for Labels, 2/-.
SILVER PINS FOR COLLECTORS OP MICRO-LEPIDOPrERA, &c,
as well as minute insects of all other families.
We stock various sizes aud lengths of tluse Silver Pins, which hav
advantages over the entomological pius usually employed.
For instance, insects liable to become greasy and verdigrisy, like Sesiidae, are best
pinned on Silver pius, which will last much longer than the ordinary pins (whether
enamelled black, or gilt, or silvered).
We shall be pleased to send pattern cards on application.
Jr large stock of British, European, and Exotic kepidoptera,
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ENTOMOLOGICAL FINS.
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(This Number consists of 36 Pages).
CONTENTS. page
Editorial (with Portraits) 125
The British species of Gyrinus {with two plates). — D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. ... 128
Philhydrus halophilus, Bedel : supplementary and corrective note. — E. A.
Newbery 139
On the variation in Britain of Cogcinella hieroglyphica, L., with some collateral
matter {with figu res) .—James Edwards. F.E.S 139
Andrena mixta, Schenck ; a species hitherto unrecorded from Britain. — R. C. L.
Perkins, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S 144
Help-Notes towards the determination of British Tenthredinidse, &c. (32) {con-
cluded)— Rev. F. D. Morice, M. A., F.E.S 145
Notes on British Phora (further additions).— John H. Wood, If.B 152
Wicken Fen.— S. H. Earner 155
Timarcha punctata, Laich. — an introduction by commerce. — O. B. Walsh 155
Aquatic Coleoptera in Cumberland. — H. W. Waltis 15S
Proteinus crenulatus, Pand., in Cumberland. — Jas. Murray 155
Early emergence of Dicranura bifida. — C. G. Doughty , 155
Reviews. — " The Indian Journal of Medical Research." 156
"Syrphidse of Ohio," by C. L. Metcalf 156
Obituary.— The Rev. Edwin Newson Bloomfield, M.A., F.E.S 157
Societies. — Yorkshire Naturalists' Union : Entomological Section 157
South London Entomological Society 158
Entomological Society of London 159
Some Kecords of Scottish Siphonaptera {continued). — Rev. James Waterston,
B.D., B.Sc 159
rrHE 8IX COLOURED PLATES illustrating the articles on
"SOME INTERESTING BRITISH INSECTS,"
with the accompanying text (issued in the Ent. Mo. Mag. for September, 1909,
January and September, 191i», September, 1911, and August, 1913), are issued
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THE
MACROLEPIDOPTERA
OF THE WORLD:
A BOOK OF KEFEBENCE AND IDENTIFICATION.
Edited by ADALBERT SEITZ, Ph.D., etc.
In collaboration with Dr. C. Auri villi us (Stockholm), H. Feuhstoefeb
(Geneva), Dr. K. Gbuenbebg (Berlin), R. Haknsch (Berlin), A. Janet (Paris),
Dr. K. Joedan (Tring), L. B. Pbout (London), Hon. L. W. Rothschild
(Tring), W. Waeeen (Tring), Dr. E. Strand (Berlin), G. Weymek (Elberfeld),
and many other contributors.
To be completed in about 16 Volumes, or 465 Parts, 4>to} containing about 1000
Coloured Plates depicting nearly 40,000 specimens, with letterpress giving all neces-
sary information in a concise form, care being taken, to avoid all unnecessary details.
Division I.— PALJEARCTIC BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS.
Parts 1 to 114 now ready. To be completed in 4 Volumes or about 120 Parts,
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Division II.— EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS.
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Full particulars and Specimen Plate may be obtained from any Bookseller,
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Sole Agents— WILLIAMS & NORGATE,
14, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, W.C.
July, 19141 jg^
73 <J <?, 62 9 9, Columba Uvia, Little Roe Island. 17.vii.ll.
? , *Troglodytes parvulus, Lamba. 25.ix.12.
Ceratophyllus fringill^e, Rothsch.
9 , *Anthus obscurus, Ollaberry. 18.X.10.
Ceratophyllus garei, Rothsch.
J $ , 9 9, Larus fuscus, Walls, Shetland. Aug., 1906, per Watkins and
Doncaster. (Eothsch. Coll.).
<?, ?, Lagopus scoticus, Perth. A.E.Shipley. 2.vii.37. (Rothsch. Coll.).
37 $ $ , 36 ? 9 , CEdemia nigra, North Mavine, Shetland. Bred through-
out summer and autumn, 1910, from July onwards.
4 $ $ > 6 ? ? , Larus, var. spp., near Uyea Island, North Mavine.
13 £ (J, 15 9 9, L. canus, Little Roe Island, North Mavine. May, 1911.
Also ab. 3 <? <J , 7 9 9 , L. fuscus.
9 , *2Egialitis hiaticula, Ollaberry. 22.ix.10.
9 , *Gallinago ccelestis, Queyfirth, nr. Ollaberry. R. H. Macnair. 31.viii.ll
4 <? (?, 3 9 9 , Columba Uvia, Little Roe Island. 17.vii.ll.
45 <? J , 77 9 9, Sterna macrura, Tinga Skerry, Yell Sound, ll.vii.12.
9 , Tringa alpina, Tinga Skerry, Yell Sound, ll.vii.12.
310 (J $ , 479 9 9 . Phalacrocorax graculus, Lamba Island. July, 1912.
Last examination of nest made xii.13.
Ceratophyllus parreni, Rothsch.
J 3 , 99, Chelidon urbica, Carie, Rannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. 25.vii.08.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
4 $ $ , 16 9 9 , C. urbica, Dunure, Ayrshire. J. Gloag. 3.ix.l0.
Ceratophyllus hirundinis, Curt.
$ $ , 9 9 , Chelidon urbica, Carie, Rannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. July, 1908.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
12 $ $ , 13 9 9 , C. urbica, Dunure, Ayrshire. J. Gloag. 3.ix.l0.
Ceratophyllus columba, Gerv.
Between June 3rd and June 5th, 1897, Mr. W. R. O. Grant collected a series
of this insect from nests of Columba Uvia, Sutors of Cromarty, N.B. Of these,
10 <? $ and 10 9 9 are in the British Museum, and both sexes in Rothsch.
Coll. [Referred to Novit. Zool., Vol. VII, p. 542, December, 1900.]
Ceratophyllus gallinul^e, Dale.
9 , Mus sylvaticus, Cromarty, N.B. W. R. O. Grant, 1899. (Rothsch. Coll.)
The following are in the Rothsch. Coll. from Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire,
162 [Ju»y.
J. Clark, per Watkins and Doncaster : — # , 9 , Anthus pratensis, 22.vii.06 ; £ <J ,
9 9 , Troglodytes parvulus, 5.viii.06 ; 9 9, Fringilla ccelebs, 31.vii.06 ; $ 3 , 9 9 >
Motacilla lugubris, 20.vi.06 ; $ , 9 9, Muscicapa grisola, 5.viii.06 ; $ $ , 99.
Phylloscopus collybita, July, 1906.
Also (same collector) 9 , Motacilla melanope, Coalburn, Lanarkshire.
June, 1906.
From the following Shetland localities : — ? , Anthus pratensis, Walls,
J. Clark, per "Watkins and Doncaster, June, 1906 (Rothsch. Coll.) ; 9 , Alauda
arvensis, Swinister, nr. Ollaberry, 10.vi.10; 9 , *Troglodytes parvulus, nr. Olla-
berry, 20.ix.10; 3 <? <J, 6 9 9, Columba livia, Little Eoe Island, I7.vii.ll.
3 $ $ , *Fulmarus glacialis, Uyea, N. Mavine. April, June, 1912. $ , *T. par-
vulus, Pettadale Water, N. Eoe. 26.V.12. 9 , * Alauda arvensis, Eastness.
8.vii.l2. $ , 9 , Anthus obscurus, nr. Heylor, Ronas Voe. 13.vii.12. 9 , *Saxi-
colacenanthe (2 examples), Gluss Voe, W. 28.iv.13.
3 , *Fringilla cosZebs.Lahill, Largo. 29.X.12. L. J. Rintoul and E. V. Baxter.
3 3, 9 9, Erithacus rubecula, Carie, Rannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. July, 1908.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
6 3 3, 3 99, Corvus monedula, Dunearn Hill, Burntisland, Fife.
J. H. Ashworth. 6.xi.09. (Rothsch. Coll.).
Ceratophyllus vagabundus, Bohem. (== insularis, Rothsch.).
9 (?), Muscicapa grisola, Gorebridge, Midlothian. J. W. 12.vii.06.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
Ceratophyllus borealis, Rothsch.
9 , from *Saxicola cenanthe, Ollaberry. June, 1912.
2 3 $, 2 9 9 , *same host (2 birds), Gluss Isle, E. 23.iv.13.
3 and 9 j nest of Sterna macrura, Tinga Skerry, Yell Sound, ll.vii.12.
24 3 3 , 30 9 9 , nest °f Anthus obscurus, nr. Heylor, Ronas Voe. 13.vii.12.
Found as larvae chiefly and subsequently bred.
9 , * Alauda arvensis, Gluss Isle, E. 23.iv.13.
This is still one of our rarer Ceratophylli. Besides the above, I have it from
nests of C. aquaticus and L. argentatus. The type was taken in nest of Sula
bassana,
Ctenopthalmus agyrtes, Heller.
$ , Crossopus ciliatus, Ackergill, Wick, Caithness. M. R. Pryor. 31.viii.1896.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
3 3, 9 ? , Hypudseus glareolus, North Berwick. N. C. R. Sept., 1898.
Also $ from Mus sylvaticus. (Rothsch. Coll.).
[The above captures are briefly mentioned Novit. Zool., Vol. V, p. 539, 1898.]
3 3 > 9 ? , ^MS sylvaticus, Balminnoch, Wigtownshire. Harold Schwann.
Aug., 1904. (Rothsch. Coll.).
1914.] 163
Also ib. £ , Putorius ermineus. 30.X.04. (Rothsch. Coll.).
$ £ , 9 9 , Microtus agrestis exsul, (a) Carie, Rannoch, (b) Kinloch Rannoch,
N.B. F. J. Cox. July, 1908. (Rothsch. Coll.).
2 $ $ , Mustela vulgaris and M. putorius, Kinneff, Kincardineshire.
J, R. Fraser. 14.iii.10.
£ , 3 9. 9 , Talpa europsea, Ballindalloch. A. Mcintosh.
9 , T. europsea (both type and cream coloured var. were forwarded), Howlet-
burn, Galston, Ayrshire. J. Gloag. 30.L11.
At Ollaberry this species is the commonest flea on Mus musculus. Found
on this mouse both in and out of doors and in its nests. Various records 1910-12.
In all 8 <J S , 18 9 ? taken.
4 <J 3 , 15 9 9 nest of Mus sylvaticus, Ollaberry. J. Williamson. 23.i.l2.
In the Rothsch. Coll. are the following taken by L. G. Esson —
(a) Aberdeenshire —
8 <J £ , 13 9 9, Hypudseus glareolus, Hilton Dec, 1910— Nov., 1911.
2 ? 9 > Hypudseus glareolus, Rosehill. 29.xii.10.
14 $ $ , 29 9 9, Mus sylvaticus, Rosehill. Oct.— Nov., 1911.
£ , 9 , Sorex vulgaris, Rosehill. 18.xi.ll.
4 £ £ , 4 9 V1 > Mus sylvaticus, Banks of Don. 7.i.ll.
9 , Arvicola amphibius, Banks of Don. 19.x. 11.
9 , Hypudseus glareolus, Seaton. 12.xii.10.
$ , Sorex vulgaris, Rubislaw. 23.ii.ll.
9 , Sorex vulgaris, Maiden Craig. 21.ii.ll.
9 , Mustela erminea, Insch. 18.ii.ll.
(b) Kincardineshire —
14 i $ , 6 9 9 , Sorex vulgaris, Nigg. Nov., 1910, 1911.
5 £ £ > 7 9 ? » Arvicola amphibius, Nigg. 27.xi.ll.
2 $ S , 10 9 9 , Sorex vulgaris, Cove. 2-20.i.ll.
5 £ £ > 8 9 9 , Mus sylvaticus, Cove. 20.i.ll.
6", 9 * Hypudseus glareolus, Cove. 23.i.ll.
to
9 , Hypudseus glareolus, Craigiebuckler. 29.xii.10.
5 £ £ , Mustela erminea, Achmore, Assynt, nr. Lairg, Sutherlandshire.
5tiv.ll.
27 £ £ > 27 9 9 > Arvicola amphibius, Achmore, etc. 15.v.vii.
12 $ £ , 12 9 ¥> Talpa europma, Achmore, etc. July, 1911.
Also collected by W. R. O. Grant —
£ , 9 , Microtus orcadensis, Sanday, Orkney. 23-27. vi.ll.
4 $ £ , 4 9 9 > Mus musculus, Shapinsay, Orkney. 23.vi.ll.
Ctenopthalmtjs bisoctodentatus, Kolen.
<J, 9, Mustela vulgaris, Lethen, Nairn, N.B. A. Brodie. 25.xi.1899.
(Rothsch. Coll.).
o ^
164 [J«iy,
<J , Talpa europsea, U. F., Manse garden. Banchory-Devenick, nr. Aberdeen.
14.V.11.
In Eothsch. Coll. (L. G. Esson) there are also—
30 $ $, 35 9 9> Talpa europsea, Achmore, etc. 14.V.11.
$ , 2 ? 9 , Sorex vulgaris, Balgownie Links, Aberdeen. 25.i.ll.
DORATOPSYLLA DASYCNEMUS, Rotksch.
In the Eothsch. Coll. (L. G. Esson)—
$ , Hypudseus glareolus, Craig'iebuckler. 29.xii.10.
The following all on Sorex vulgaris —
<J, Cove, Kincardineshire. 23.i.ll.
14 $ $, 16 ? ?, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Nov., 1911— Jan., 1912.
19 <? $ , 3 9 9 , Hilton, Banks of Don, nr. Aberdeen. Oct.— Dec, 1911.
Rhadinopsylla pentacanthus, Bothsch.
(J, 9 , Mustela vulgaris, Kinneff. J. B. Fraser. l.iii.10.
In the Bothsch. Coll. (L. G. Esson) are the following —
(a) From Mustela erminea —
9, Insch, Aberdeenshire. 18.ii.ll.
5 <J <$ , 2 9 9 > Alford, Aberdeenshire. 8.ii.ll.
<J , Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire. 8.ii.ll.
(b) From Hypudseus glareolus —
5 (? $ , 2 9 9 = Nigg, Kincardineshire. May and Dec, 1911.
jf, 9 , Bosehill, Aberdeen, ll.xi.ll.
2 c? (? , Hilton, Aberdeen. 23.U2.
9, Cairncry, Aberdeen. 17.xii.ll.
Paljeopsylla sorecis, Dale.
In Eothsch. Coll.—
(J , 9 » Crossopus ciliatus, Ackergill, Wick, Caithness. M. E. Pryor.
31.viii.96.
9 , Sorex vulgaris, Carie, Eannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. 26.vii.08.
Collected by L. G. Esson —
{a) From Sorex vulgaris —
66 $ $ , 46 9 9 , from Banks of Don, Cairncry, Comhill, Cults, Hilton,
Murcher Links, Bosehill, Eubislaw, Seaton, nr. Aberdeen. Dec, 1910 — Oct., 1911.
66 <J <?, 23 9 9, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Oct.— Dec, 1911.
2 (J (J, Tullis Hill, Kincardineshire. 5.i.ll.
$,2 9 9> Cove, Kincardineshire Jan., 1911.
12 $ $, Achmore, Assynt, Sutherlandshire. April — May, 1911.
2 <J $, 9 > Craigiebuckler, Sutherlandshire. 24.xii.10.
1 ex. Struan, Perthshire. 22.iv.13.
GO
9 , Hypudseus glareolus, Comhill. 25.xii.10.
2 $ $ , ? > Neomys fodiens, Berrie Hill, Aberdeenshire. 19.xi.10.
1914.] 165
$ , Crossopus fodiens, Cults, Aberdeen. 4.xii.l0.
1 ex. Sorex pygmseus, Nigg., Kincardineshire. 8.xii.ll.
PaljEopsylla minor, Dale.
From Kinneff, Kincardineshire, J. R. Fraser sends 2 9?, 28.ii.10, and £
l.iii. 10, from Mustela vulgaris. Also ? from M. vulgaris and M. putorius packed
together, 14.iii.10.
6 c? c? , 7 ? ? , Talpa europsea, Ballindalloch. A. Mcintosh. 15.iii.10.
? , T. europsea, Howletburn, Galston, Ayrshire. J. Gloag. 30.i.ll.
2 cf t? » 9 , T. europsea, U. F. Manse garden, Banchory-Devenick, near
Aberdeen. 14.V.11.
In Rothsch. Coll. the following —
11?9, Hypudseus glareolus, Cairncry, Aberdeen. L. G. Esson. 17.xii.ll.
44 3 cT,54 9 9 , Talpa europsea, Kintore, Aberdeen. L. G. Esson. 29.xii.ll.
34 £ J, 37 9 9, T. europsea, Pitcaple, Aberdeenshire. L. G. Esson.
Dec, 1911.
9 9 , T. europsea, South Sutor, Cromarty. W. K. O. Grant. (No Date.)
9 9 , T. europsea, Elginshire. J. E. Harting. (No Date.)
Pal^eopsylla kohauti, Dampf.
See Rothschild, Ent. Mo. Mag., 2nd series, Vol. xxiii, p. 67. (1912.)
In Rothsch. Coll. from Talpa europsea, the following 15 examples, Aber-
deen (Kintoe, Pitcaple, Cairncry, Scotstown). Dec, 1911 — Feb., 1913. L. G.
Esson.
4 examples, S. Sutor, Cromarty. W. R. O. Grant.
Leptopsylla musculi, Duges.
<J , Mus musculus, N. Gluss, nr. Ollaberry. P. Blance. 15.ix.10.
The only example taken from a series of M. musculus examined. See also
under Ct. agyrtes and T. poppei.
Leptopsylla spectabilis, Rothsch.
In Rothsch. Coll. are —
9 , Lethen Nairn, Mustela erminea. A. Brodie. 26.xi.1899.
9 , Mus sylvaticus, Guisachan, Beauly, N. C. R. Sept., 1900.
9, Hypudseus glareolus, Tulloch, nr. Fort William, N. C. E. 9.viii.01.
(Rothsch. Coll.)
$ , ? , Microtus agrestis exsul, Kinloch Rannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. 23.vii.08.
Mr. L. G . Esson has taken —
7 6 $, 7 9 9 on Hypudseus glareolus at Cairncry, Bridge of Don, Hilton,
Rosehill, all near Aberdeen during 1911.
2 9 9 , 4 9 9 > H . glareolus, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Nov. — Dec, 1911.
J , Sorex vulgaris, Cove, Kincardineshire. 23i.ll.
3 , Talpa europsea, Achmore, Assynt. 23.iv.ll.
3 , H. glareolus, Achmore, Assynt. 28.iv.ll.
166 [July,
Typhloceras poppei, Wagner.
9 , Mus musculus, in nest, Ollaberry. l.v.ll.
15 <? <J,23 ? ?, nest of Mus sylvaticus, Ollaberry. J.Williamson. 23.i.l2.
In Shetland Mus musculus haibours fleas evidently associated elsewhere
with M. sylvaticus. This at least is true of the country district where house
mice do not come much indoors till after harvest. During summer-time they
abound in outhouses and round the crofts. The Shetlanders call M. sylvaticus
the " Hill " mouse.
Hystrichopsylla talp^;, Curt.
9 , Talpa curopxa, S. Sutor of Cromarty, N.B. W. E. 0. Grant. July, 1893.
(British Museum).
In the Eothsch. Coll. are the following : —
9 9 • Crossopus ciliatus, Ackergill, Wick, Caithness. M. E. Pryor.
31.viii.1896.
3 , ? host, Edinburgh. W. Eagle Clarke. 31.viii.05.
S, Mus sylvaticus, Balminnoch, Wigtownshire. Harold Schwann.
9.viii.04.
9 , Mus sylvaticus, Carie, Eannoch, N.B. F. J. Cox. 17.vii.08.
Collected by L. G. Esson —
(a) On Talpa europsea —
2 (? $ , Achmore, Assynt, Sutherlandshire. 14.V.11 and vii.ll.
2 $ $ , Kintore, Aberdeen. 30.xii.ll.
(b) On Sorex vulgaris —
6<? <? , 7 ? ?, Banks of Don, Berrie Hill, Hilton, Eosehill, nr. Aberdeen.
Nov., 1910— Oct., 1911.
?, Maidencraig, Aberdeenshire. 21.ii.ll.
7 6" 3 , 7 9 9, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Nov., 1910— Dec, 1911.
2 S3, 9> Cove, Kincardineshire. 2.1.11.
c?, Craigiebuckler, Sutherlandshire. 24.xii.10.
(c) On Hypudasus glareolus —
2 $ $ , 9, Hilton, Eosehill, nr. Aberdeen. Oct.— Nov., 1911.
8 (? 6* , 7 9 9, Nigg, Kincardineshire. Nov.— Dec, 1911.
(d)
2 3 $ > Mus musculus, Aberdeen. 29.xi.ll.
$ , Mus sylvaticus, Cairncry, Aberdeen. 21.xi.ll.
ISCHNOPSYLLUS OCTACTENUS, Kolen.
9 9 , Bat, Tulloch, nr. Fort William, N. C. E. 21.ix.01. (Eothsch. Coll.).
The Manse,
Ollaberry, Shetland .-
February, 1914.
1914.] 167
DORCATOMA PUNCTULATA Muls., IN ENGLAND.
BY D. SHARP, MA., F.R.S.
Our list of British Coleoptera at present includes only two species
of Dorcatoma, viz., chrysomelina and flavicornis. Mr. C. J. C. Pool
has, however, just detected the existence near London of B. punctulata,
Muls.
Although much confusion has occurred about the species of this
genus, the three forms found in England are easily distinguished.
B. chrysomelina has a rough irregular pubescence and a compli-
cated system of punctuation on the elytra, some larger, shallow ellipti-
cal punctures being mixed with the general fine punctuation ; while
in the other two species the larger punctures are not present.
B. flavicornis has a dense, confused, somewhat rugose sculpture of
the elytra, and the antennae are much smaller than in either of the
other two species, It varies a good deal in size and colour. An in-
different figure of it is to be found on the plate of the Entomologist's
Annual, 1858.
B.punctulata is as a rule larger than flavicornis, and has a definite,
distinct, fine punctuation, and a splendid development of the antennae,
which in the male are truly remarkable.
As regards the nomenclature of the three insects there has been
much confusion, and the synonymy is to some extent uncertain. In
Gr. E. Waterhouse's Catalogue of British Coleoptera (date 1858), two
species of our genus Borcatoma are included, the names used for them
being flavicornis, Fabr., and dresdensis, Herbst ; and in 1860 (Proc.
Ent. Soc, Sept. 3) the same authority introduced B. chrysomelina as a
British insect. Subsequent to this the name of dresdensis entirely dis-
appeared from our catalogues in consequence of the belief that the
insect was merely one of the sexes of B. chrysomelina (c/. Entomolo-
gist's Annual, 1861, p. 69) . Nevertheless, it is possible that Mr. Water-
house may have had satisfactory evidence of the existence of B.
dresdensis as British.
How the facts may have really stood 60 years ago it is now
very difficult to say, but it is satisfactory to find that we really have at
least three species as natives of this country .
It is possible that as our collections improve, we may find still
other species, these insects being only rarely met with.
Brockenhurst :
June Iteh, 1914
168 tJuly,
ADDITIONAL SPECIES OF BRITISH TYPHLOCYBIDM.
BY JAMES EDWARDS, F.E.S.
The entirely pale species of Typhlocyha are more numerous than
is commonly supposed, and the capture of the majority of those
described below is due to Prof. J. W. Carr, of Nottingham University,
who has allowed me to describe them from his collections made in that
county. The most reliable characters for the identification of species
in this group are, undoubtedly, those derived from the male coupling-
apparatus ; differences of colour, habitus, and place of occurrence are
of course present, but determinations based on these lack the certainty
which attends those based upon definite and constant structural
characteristics the existence of which can be verified by a competent
person at any period of time. The examination of the sedeagus in
Typhlocybidse is best made without any preparation of the specimen
beyond the removal of any adjacent parts which may obstruct the
view, and the magnification employed should not be so great that the
whole of the appendages are not in focus at the same time ; the writer
finds an amplification of about sixty diameters sufficient and convenient.
Chlorita aurantiaca.
Chlorita aurantiaca, Fieber, Cicad. d'Eur. (Typhlocybini) , p. 19.
Orange-yellow ; the claws and some of the spines on the outer
side of the hind tibiae blackish ; a somewhat comma- shaped spot on
each side of the crown near the inner edge of each eye, three spots
next the front edge of the pronotum, one in the middle, and one
behind each eye, and a broad stripe down the middle of the scutellum,
white. Elytra with a spot at the apex of the subcostal area, the
entire supra-brachial area, a large spot at the apex of the brachial area,
and the membrane hyaline ; when viewed by transmitted light these
hyaline spaces, except the supra-brachial area and the spot in the sub-
costal area, are seen to be very faintly tinged with fuscous.
Length, 3-9 mm.
I caught one male off blackthorn, on the edge of a wood at
Colesborne on June 12th, 1913, and saw two other specimens which
escaped.
Typhlocyba prunicola, n. sp.
Male : upper- side very pale yellow ; the membrane and a spot in
the apices of the brachial and supra-brachial areas fumose. App.
sup. falcate, divergent, directed forward almost at a right angle to the
1914.] 169
stem of the sedeagus ; app. inf. divided, near the base into two branches,
of which the upper is about one-third longer than the lower, and
directed horizontally cephalad, the lower one straight and directed
obliquely downward and outward ; in the dorsal aspect the upper
branches of the two app. inf. diverge moderately from their bases, and
are strongly curved outward in their distal half.
Female : yellowish-white, membrane and a spot in the apices of
the brachial and supra- brachial areas more evidently fumose than in
the male.
Length, 4 mm.
This species has been taken by Prof. Carr at Sherwood, on garden
plum, and at Nottingham, on plum, 17. VII.
Typhlocyba plebeja, n. sjp.
Male : upper-side pale yellow, the crown whitish-yellow, the mem-
brane not obviously fumose. App. sup. falcate, erect, widely divergent ;
app. inf. porrect, divided near the base into two similar divergent fal-
cate branches, each having the concavity upward ; in the dorsal aspect
the upper branches of the two app. inf. are connivent at the base and
thence diverging, the lower branches are sub-parallel, but owing to the
greater separation of their points of origin the distance between their
tips is only little less than that between the tips of the upper branches.
Female similar in colour to the male.
Length, 3*7 — 4 mm.
Taken by Prof. Carr at the following localities in Nottinghamshire,
namely, Arnold, on oak and lime, 24,VII ; Bulwell Forest, on alder,
21, VII ; Fiskerton, on oak, 25, VII ; and Epperstone Park, on elm
and hazel, 6, IX.
Typhlocyba tersa, n. sp.
Male : upper- side yellowish- white, the membrane faintly fumose,
claws blackish. App. sup. straight acicular, diverging at a right
angle, a little inclined cephalad ; app. inf. divided near the base into
two divergent branches, of which the upper and longer is nearly
straight, and the lower falcate with the concavity uppermost ; in the
sub-dorsal aspect the upper branches of the two app. inf. are curved
outwardly and the distance between their tips is about equal to their
length and considerably more than the distance between the tips of
the lower branches.
170 [July,
Female : crown, pronotum and scutellum ivory-white, elytra lacteo-
liyaline, the membrane distinctly fumose. Length, 4 — 4*1. mm.
Found by Mr. Oscar Whittaker very abundantly on willows at
Birkdale, 1911, and sent by him to me as T. salicicola.
Typhlocyba distincta, n. sp.
Male : upperside pale yellow, the colour more intense along the
veins of the corium ; the apex of the brachial area and the inner
apical angle of the supra-brachial area fuscous. Genital plates con-
cave, on the upperside before the apex a semi-circular notch, close to
the distal edge of which there is a triangular tooth ; styles with the
apical part bent at an acute angle to the remainder, the bent portion
widened for one half of its length then abruptly narrowed and acumi-
nate, the narrow part sub-equal in length to the broad ; the sedeagus
in the dorso-cephalad aspect has a triangular expansion towards the
apex which gives off two falcate connivent branches enclosing between
them a nearly circular space.
The female of this species I have not seen.
Length, 4*6 mm. Aspley Woods, Notts ; Prof. Carr.
Typhlocyba bidentata, n. sp.
Male : crown pronotum and scutellum ivory-white, corium canary-
yellow (chrome-yellow), membrane slightly fumose ; anterior and
intermediate tarsi fuscous, claws of the hind tarsi black. The sedeagus
ends in two short straight slightly divergent teeth. Length, 3-9 mm.
Described from one male which I took off hazel at Colesborne on
October 15th, 1913.
Typhlocyba carri, n. sp.
Male: upperside canary-yellow (chrome-yellow), the colour very
intense along the veins of the corium, membrane scarcely fumose.
Genital style in the interno-lateral aspect ending in two dissimilar
divisions of which the upper one has its apical angles unequally
produced, the foremost one into a short comparatively blunt point and
the hinder one into a long sharp point ; the lower division is simply
acuminate. iEdeagus simple, as in T. douglasi.
The female is similar in colour to the male.
Length, 4 mm.
Both sexes, Edwinstowe, Sherwood Forest, 30, VIII, 1912 ; one
male, Arnold, on oak, 13, VIII, 1913 ; Prof. Carr.
1914.] ]71
Typhlocyba di versa, n. sp.
Male : crown, pronotum, and scutellum ivory-white, eorium pale
yellow, the colour much intensified along the veins, membrane not
obviously fumose, App. sup. strap-shaped, acuminate,' directed cepha-
lad at about a right angle to the stem of the sedeagus, parallel, curving
upward a little at the apex ; app. inf. divided near the base into two
unequal, long, strap-shaped, acuminate branches ; in the dorsal aspect
the upper and longer branches of the two app. inf. are widely diver-
gent, directed forward and upward, and rather abruptly curved upward
in their apical third ; the lower branches are directed forward, their
divergence is about half as much as that of the upper ones, and they
are a little curved inward and downward in their apical fifth.
Female similar in colour to the male.
Length, 4 mm.
Aspley Woods, Notts, 4, VII ; Prof. Carr.
Ztgina neglecta, n. sp.
Distinguished from Z. flammigera, Greoffr., by its slightly smaller
size, evidently narrower form, and by having the entire clavus and a
stripe in the apical half of the brachial area fuscous. Hind tarsi in
the male with the basal joint pale, subequal in length to the remaining
two, and without any special armature ; second and third joints
blackish, base of the former narrowly pale.
This species, though just as variable in colour and pattern of the
elytra as its immediate allies, Z. flammigera and Z. tiliae, never develops
the characteristic pattern of the former, i.e., two irregular, sub-oval,
pale spaces on the suture of the closed elytra surrounded by a broad
irregular red border ; nor has its male the distinctly thickened and
entirely black hind tarsi characteristic of that sex of the latter.
Z. neglecta I have found for many years past in company with Z.
flammigera, and equally common. One finds rarely a remarkably hand-
some aberration of it (ab. rubrinervis) in which all the veins of the
eorium, except where interrupted by the costal callus, are carmine-red ;
this is analogous to the ab. ruficosta, Fieb., of Z. flammigera, but in the
latter, which is not uncommon in this country, the brachial vein is not
red, except where the zigzag band overlies it and sometimes at the
apex. Z. neglecta ab. rubrinervis is probably the rosea of Douglas
(Ent. Mo. Mag., XII, p. 77, 1876), and possibly of other writers ; but
certainly not of Flor, since the latter is very emphatic about the
172
[July,
structure of the hind-legs in the male of his species, of which he says :
"an den Hinterbeinen sincl die Tarsen merldich lauger als bei
T. blandula, 3/5 bis 2/3 so lang wei ihre Schienen, ihr erstes Glied 1|
mal so lang wie die 2 folgenden zusammen und an seiner Unterseite
mit 2 Eeihen langer feiner weisser Harchen besetzt, welche wimperartig
abstehen ; auch die Hinterschieuen haben an der Innenseite eben so
lange und feine abstehende weisse Haare in einer Eeihe dicht stehend,
wahrend mehr an der Aussenseite die vereinzelten etwas kraftigeren
aber kurzeren Dornchen stehen."
prccnicofa.
pte$ejc
EXPLANATION OF THE DIAGEAMS.
Typhlocyba prunicola ; a, sedeagus in the obliquely cephalad aspect; b, the
same from the side.
plebeja
ditto
ditto
tersa ; a, sedeagus in the obliquely caudad aspect ; b, the same from
the side.
distincta ; a, sedeagus in the obliquely cephalad aspect ; b, style in
the interno-lateral aspect.
bidentata ; a, asdeagus in the obliquely cephalad aspect ; b, the
same from the side.
carri : style in the interno-lateral aspect.
diversa ; a, sedeagus in the sub-dorsal aspect ; b, the same from the
side.
N.B. — In the diagrams of the sedeagus in the lateral aspect one of the
app. inf. is omitted.
Colesborne, Cheltenham :
June 9th, 1914.
1914.] 173
TWO ADDITIONS TO THE BEITISH LIST OF DIPTERA.
BY A. E. J. CARTER.
1. Amalopis schineri, Kol.
As far back as September, 1904, while collecting Biptera at Cal-
lander, Perthshire, I took a <$ of this species. It has stood in my
collection since as doubtful littoralis, and while going critically over
the genus recently, I noticed that it could not be that insect. Like
littoralis (Mg.), schineri is a yellow species, but is not quite so large,
and the wings are clear, not yellow-tinted ; the veins are dark, only
the costa, Sc, and E.1 being yellow. The whole of the head and
antenna? are light yellow. There is no trace of a dorsal stripe on the
abdomen, which is all light yellow, becoming darker at the apex. The
hypopygium, too, is quite different, the forceps bearing at the apex
numerous small black spines.
Dr. Grriinberg (Siisswasserfauna Deutschlands, 1910) says that
schineri is probably identical with geniculata (Mg.). Now the late
Mr. Verrall, in his " List of Brit. Tipulidse, &c." (published in this
Magazine, 1886-88), gives geniculata as a "Reputed British species,"
with a reference to Stephens' Syst. Cat., ii, 245, and says that " the
specimen in the British Museum is a small, true, Amalopis.'''' Mr. F. W.
Edwards has very kindly looked up the old Collections of British
Diptera, but is unable to trace Stephens' specimen, so that its identi-
fication still remains uncertain. The two species, from the descrip-
tions, are certainly very closely allied, and I am sorry I have no speci-
men of geniculata to enable. me to compare the hypopygia.
I have a $ specimen taken at Aberfoyle on September 11th, 1905,
which agrees in all respects with the <$ from Callander, but there is
no discal cell in either wing. Herr Lunclstrom, in his " Dipt. Fin-
lands " (1907) records a <$ and $ of schineri, and says that the discal
cell is present in the ? , but not in the £ ! In my specimens, too, the
radial cross- vein is absent in both wings of the $ , and present in the
right wing only of the <$ .
2. Argyra auricollis, Mg.
In the April number of this Magazine for,1905 (p. 83), the late
Mr. Verrall, writing of the genus Argyra, said, " three or four more
species ought to occur in Britain." Only one species has been added
since, viz., grata, Lw. {cf. Ent. Mo. Mag., 1912, p. 57). I am glad
now to be able to add another. My specimens — four £ $ , and
174 cJuly-
6 ? ? —were taken at Polton, Midlothian, on Aug. 6th, 1906*, and
were for a long time unnamed. From Dr. Griinberg's description
(he. cit.) I thought they might be A. auricollis, and going over the
genus recently with Dr. Lundbeck's " Diptera Danica " (1912) the
identification was confirmed. The species is a very distinct one, and is
easily distinguished from confinis, Zett., the insect in our List which
it most resembles, by the hind metatarsus being without long hairs in
the <$ , and by the black coxae in the $ .
Monifieth: May, 1914.
THE OCCUEEENCE OF A (NEW?) SPECIES OF HESPEBIA
IN EGYPT.
BY COL. N. MANDERS, A.M.S.
On March 29th, 1914, I captured in the desert near Cairo half-a-
dozen specimens of a Hesperia new to me, one of which I subse-
quently submitted to Mr. Hamilton Druce for his opinion, suggesting
that it was undescribed. He allows me to quote a portion of his
letter :".... after a good deal of consideration I cannot advise you
that the insect is new. I should say it was H. (Pyrgus) evanida
Butler. I have examined the type in the British Museum. They have it
also from Aden and Gebil Agageh, Soudan (H. N. Dunn, 1902). It is
near H. galba, Fab., in fact, by Elwes and Edwards, and also by Mabille,
it is given as a synonym of galba, but is probably quite distinct
You may have a new species, but I should not care to name it on the
slight perceptible differences from the type of Pyrgus evanida — the
white spots in this latter are a little smaller than the specimen you send,
also than in the Soudan examples referred to. . . . Perhaps you can
get some one to work out the genitalia, which might prove something."
Seitz, in his " Pahearctic Butterflies," p. 336, follows Elwes and Edwards,
also Mabille, in giving H. evanida as a synonym of H. galba, but
judging by his description and figure there is little doubt they are
distinct.
I think it unlikely that my insect can be separated from H.
evanida, occurring as this does at Aden and in the Soudan ; at most it
is likely to be a local race. I write the above somewhat hurriedly in
order to prevent the synonymy of the Hesperiidae being unnecessarily
added to, which, if my information is correct, is likely to be the case.
* Col. J. W. Yerbury caught two males of A. auricollis, Mg., at Llangammarcb Wells (Breck-
nockshire) on July 23rd and 26th, 1913.— J. E. C.
1914.
175
I may add that the insect is partial to desert, away from cultiva-
tion, and that Convolvulus Janatus is almost certainly its food-plant,
near which it is always to be found. I should describe it as locally
common, but decidedly difficult to capture, as the insect has the
habit of settling on the bare rock and sand, which its underside
admirably matches. It has a swift, darting flight.
Cairo : May 13th, 1914.
A chloroform killing and relaxing bottle. — With reference to the note
by Mr. G. V. Hudson in this Magazine last month (p. 94), on a "chloroform"
killing bottle. I venture to send you herewith a sketch and description of a
bottle, constructed by me, which I find answers all requirements very well. If I
remember rightly its cost was about 1/6. The reason I use a layer of muslin
or similar material over the brass wire gauze is that the latter is so rough that
it might abrade the wings of the insects or their legs might get caught in it,
and break when being removed ; the leather ringed with gauze (A) can be of
course pushed in as far as desired, and laurel leaves may be used for relaxing
captures, by being placed between A and B.
The cork must be covered with chamois leather, as otherwise the edge of
the glass will crumble the cork and make the insects dusty. This covering is
easily affixed with glue or seccotine, and if the covered cork is put into the
bottle to dry, the leather is thus stretched and kept taut whilst drying. In
practice I shape the cork with a " shoulder " and cover the whole of it (except
flat top) with the leather.
I find chloroform or ether much the best medium for killing Hymenoptera,
and before I made this bottle I found it very troublesome (and risky) opening
the bottle to recharge it, as the insects would immediately escape. The
176 tJuly.
bottle being flat on the top and bottom is also an advantage. The accompany-
ing sketch, drawn to exactly half the actual size, will I hope make the con-
struction of this killing bottle quite clear.
The glass used is that made for " sight feed lubricators," 4 in. x 2^ in.=2£
in. inside measurement — the glass being J in. thick. For A, a ring was cut out
of i in. leather, 2£ in. diameter full, the width of the ring about f in., a piece
of brass wire gauze was then " blocked on " — in practice a piece of muslin or
leno over the gauze is an advantage ; this was then forced into the glass to, say
1 in. from end ; below this, to hold the ether, a rubber valve (B) was cut, A in.
thick, 2i in. diameter full, and a small tin, 1 in. diameter, J in. deep, was let
into the middle to hold the cotton wool ; the base of the India rubber must
project below the glass to enable it to be taken out when more ether has to be
added, the advantage being that the bottle has not to be opened to put in the
ether. — H. M. Hallett, 64, Westbourne Road, Penarth : April 17th, 1914.
Note on Mysia oblongo-guttata, L., ab. nigroguttata, Dollm. — In 1912 I
recorded (Ent. Mo. Mag., xlviii, p. 215), the breeding of Syrphus torvus, O.-S.,
from larvse found on some young pines in this district. Dtxring the past month
the same pines have been examined from time to time, and amongst the
Syrphid larva and imaginal and larval Coccinellids to be seen attendant upon
the very numeimis Aphides (Chermes) I noticed, on different occasions, three
freshly-emerged specimens of Mysia oblongo-guttata, L., one of which matched
Dollman's figure of his ab. nigroguttata* These immature examples were kept
alive with living Chermes for a week or so, but all died without maturing. It
will be found, I think, that this aberration will only be found amongst immature
examples in which the whitish pigment has incompletely filled the usual dorsal
giittse of the elytra, and the absence of it causes a certain amount of discolora-
tion or transparency, thus giving the appearance of dark spots. In one of the
three examples mentioned the right elytron only has a single dark dorsal
marking of this kind. Amongst the eight species of Coccinellids seen on these
particular pines, Exochomus 4-pustulatus was as common as Adalia bipunctata. —
G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : June 9th, 1914.
Pygolampis bidentata, Goeze, in the New Forest. — Mr. W. West, of Lewisham,
has shown me a specimen of this rare Hemipteron, which he had the good
fortune to capture in the New Forest on May 22nd. This is one of the
most interesting captures of recent years, as it provides the second recorded
British example of a species which seemed to be hopelessly lost. As stated in
Douglas and Scott's " British Hemiptera," the first specimen was taken by
Mr. Thomas Marshall, of Leicester, about 30 years before the publication
of that work, and therefore about 80 years ago from the present date. It
was found in September under a piece of sandstone at Quatford, near Bridg-
north, Salop. Mr. West's specimen, which is a $ , was taken by sweeping on the
railway bank between Brockenhurst and Beaulieu Road Station. This insect
* Ent. Record, 1912, pi. II. The reference to the description (p. 53) is not included in the
Special Index for that year, and the name therefore is likely to be overlooked.
1914.] 177
is distributed over the greater part of the Continent, and its range extends
into northern and central Asia, but it is always rare and, I believe, occurs
merely sporadically. Very little is known of its habits. According to Fieber,
it is found in dry, grassy, sunny places, but Amyot and Serville say that it
occurs in forests. Some larvae which I have lately received from India, of
Reduviidae belong to allied genera, have been thickly covered with sand and
clay, and this seems to imply a burrowing habit ; if Pygolampis has similar
habits, its not having been met with during so long a series of years would be
less inexplicable ; such habits would also accord with the method of occurrence
of the first specimen. Still, this is only conjecture. In this connexion it may be
mentioned that the figures given of this species in both Saunders' " Hemiptera-
Heteroptera of the British Islands," and Douglas and Scott's " British Hemi-
ptera " are those of the ? , which is curious, seeing that the original specimen
is said to have been a $ . There is some confusion also in the text of Douglas
and Scott's work. The authors say that " according to Fieber," the abdomen
of the $ ends with two obtuse plates : this is an error. Fieber's words, " After
gestutzt, in zwei stumpfe Lappen endend," refer to the $ and not to the ? , of
which he says merely "After Kegelfbrmig." The description of the $ genital
segments, moreover, is not reconcilable with the real form of those parts.
Saunders, again, says, "I do not know the female," and yet this is the sex
figured in his work. One would imagine, therefore, that the original specimen
must have been really a ? , though mistaken for the opposite sex. — E. A. Butler,
56, Cecile Park, Crouch End, N. : June 8th, 1914.
Vanessa antiopa in Berks. — While motoring through the Royal Military
College ground at Sandhurst this afternoon, I saw what can only have been
a specimen of the " Camberwell Beauty " (Vanessa antiopa). It flew — somewhat
leisurely — for some distance in front of the car, at a height of about six feet
from the ground. Seen from behind it looked almost black, but showed a
purplish colour as we passed it. Momentarily forgetting where I was, I
mentally put it down as a large female of Hypolimnas bolina—SL common road-
side butterfly in Ceylon. Sandhurst College is situated in the southernmost
corner of Berkshire, at a point where three counties meet. It is quite possible
that this same individual may have been observed and recorded in Berkshire,
Hants, and Surrey, within the course of a few hours. — E. Ernest Green, Cam-
berley, Surrey: May 29th, 1914.
" Entomology, with special reference to its Biological and Economic
Aspects," by Justus Watson Folsom, Sc.D. (Harvard), second revised edition
with 4 plates and 304 text-figures : pp. vi + 402 : Philadelphia, P. Blakestones,
Son & Co., 1913.
A second revised edition of this useful work will doubtless be appreciated by
entomologists generally, more particularly by our American cousins, an entire
P
178 [July,
new chapter on the transmission of diseases by insects having been added in
the present edition, as well as much new matter, some new illustrations, &c.
It is of course mainly based upon American forms, and the commoner kinds are
selected in order that the reader may easily use the text as a guide to personal
observation. The author restricts his subject to the true Insecta, or Hexapoda,
and he divides the contents of the book into 13 chapters— Classification,
Anatomy and Physiology, Development, Adaptations of aquatic insects, Color
and coloration, Adaptive coloration, Insects in relation to plants, Insects in
relation to other animals, Transmission of diseases by insects, Interrelations of
insects, Insect behaviour, Distribution, and Insects in relation to man. Of the
304 illustrations in the text many have been prepared by the author, and the
others are taken from acknowledged sources. Plates I and II show the suc-
cessive stages in the pupation and emergence of the milkweed butterfly, Anosia
plexippus ; III gives the Faunal realms, after Sclater and Wallace ; and IV
illustrates the Life Zones of the United States, after Merriam. A copious
bibliography (extending to 48 pages), including references up to 1913, is
appended. The Chapter (XII) on Distribution is perhaps a little out of date,
that of Sharp on the Coleoptera of the Hawaiian Islands (1885), quoted on
pp. 304, 305, giving 428 species, whereas Perkins (1913), brings the number up
to 1,288 for the same islands. The book is well edited throughout, though a
startling misprint is to be found on p. 246, where the human flea is named
Culex irritans !
"A Textbook of Medical Entomology," by Walter Scott Patton
M.B., I.M.S., and Francis William Cragg, M.D., I.M.S., F.E.S.: pp. xxxiii +
764, pis. 89 : Christian Literature Society for India, London, Madras and
Calcutta, 1913.
In reviewing a comprehensive work of this kind it is obviously impossible
for us to give more than a general notice of its contents, dealing as it does with
so many branches of entomology. The " Textbook," as the authors state in
their preface, is really a guide to the study of the relations between Arthropods
and disease, rather than a text-book on entomology in the wide sense. It has
been compiled to supply the requirements experienced by isolated medical and
veterinary officers practising in the Tropics, who find it impossible to derive
much information from the scattered literature they are able t© obtain on the
subject. The authors arrange their matter under twelve chapters : I. Entom-
ology as a branch of preventive medicine, Zoological position of the blood-
sucking Arthropoda ; II-IV. The Order Diptera, the anatomy and physiology
being dealt with in Chapter II ; V. Siphonaptera, or Fleas ; VI. The Rhynchota,
or Bugs ; VII. Anoplura, or Lice ; VIII. Order Acarina : Ixodidse, or Ticks ;
IX. The Acarina -. Acari, or Mites ; X. Sect. 1. The Order Pentastomida : Lin-
guatulidse, or Tongue Worms. Sect. 2. Order Eucopepoda ■. Cyclops, or Water
Fleas ; XL Laboratory Technique ; XII. The Eelations of Arthropoda to their
Parasites. The sections on internal anatomy contain a large amount of original
matter, the descriptions in nearly all cases having been written and the figures
drawn from dissections specially made for the purpose. The external anatomy
1914.] 179
of the insects and other Arthropods enumerated is not forgotten, the general
classification of the different Orders being founded almost entirely on external
structure. Bionomics, breeding habits, laboratory manipulation, methods of
dissection, &c, are all discussed in turn, the Chapter (II) on the anatomy of
Diptera serving as an introduction to insect morphology generally. Of the
89 plates, 52 are devoted to Diptera, 6 to Siphonaptera, 7 to Bhynchota, 6 to
Anoplura, 15 to Ixodidas, 2 to Acari, and 1 to Pentastomida. The Manual
supplies, we are sure, a vast deal of information of the greatest use to dwellers
in hot countries, where insect plagues abound. Residents on the plains of India
may be pleased to note (c/. pp. 448, 449) , that the pest known as the Jigger-flea,
Dermatophilus (Sarcopsylla) penetrans, L., which has been introduced into
Bombay and Karachi with infected sailors, has not yet succeeded in gaining a
footing. Travellers wishing to take a copy of the " Manual " with them may
perhaps object to the bulk and weight of the book, but a lighter paper could
hardly have been used for the text or plates. Its price is 21/-.
"Common British Beetles," by the Rev. Chas. A. Hall, F.R.M.S.
" Peeps at Nature " series. With 16 plates, 8 coloured. London : Adam and
Charles Black. 1914.
We have the pleasure of noticing yet another of the excellent little volumes
of the " Peeps at Nature " series, the work now under consideration treating of
the British Coleoptera. It is obvious that in the 88 pages of which the book
consists, so extensive a subject as that of our native beetles can be dealt with
only in the barest outline ; but the author has succeeded in condensing a large
amount of useful and interesting information respecting the Order in this
small compass, aided by some excellent text figures and half-tone plates devoted
mainly to structural detail. We could have wished, however, that in a work
intended primarily for the beginner in the study of Coleoptera, a little more
space had been allotted to the important details of collecting and preserving,
the chapter devoted to this subject being decidedly " sketchy." The eight
" three-colour " plates, comprising figures of nearly 150 species, are very good
and clear, especially those made from drawings by Mr. C. F. Newall ; the two
plates made direct from the specimens are not quite so satisfactory, as beetles do
not lend themselves nearly so well as Lepidoptera to this method of illustration.
On the whole, this little book forms a very useful introduction to the study of
our beetle fauna, and fully sustains the high standard of excellence of the
" Peeps at Nature " series.
Societies.
Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society: Meeting held at
the Royal Institution, Colquit Street, Liverpool, March 16th, 1914.— Mr. R.
Wilding, President, in the Chair.
Professor Robert Newstead, M.Sc, F.R.S., gave a lecture entitled " Some
Observations on the Natural History of Nyasaland." The lecture, which dealt
P 2
180 [Julr-
with the Professor's own experiences during an expedition undertaken to dis-
cover the breeding habits of the Glossinidse, was most interesting, especially
the account of the finding of the first pupa of Glossina morsitans, and of the
connection between this fly and sleeping sickness and " ingana." A capital
photograph shown on the screen recorded this historic event.
Mr. A. W. Hughes exhibited Phigalia pilosaria, including a pale olive
unicolorous variety, from Eastham, also Hybernia leucophearia and var. rnarmo-
rinaria from the same locality ; he further reported that Nyssia zonaria had
been plentiful at Crosby.
April 20th, 1914. — Meeting held at the Eoyal Institution, Colquit Street,
Liverpool. The President in the Chair.
Mr. A. W. Boyd, M.A., F.E.S., gave an address entitled "The Natural
History of Rostherne Mere." Having described the physical characters of the
Mere and the probable causes of its formation, the nature of the surrounding
land and its flora, both arboreal and herbaceous, he dealt exhaustively with the
birds known to frequent the Mere and finally the insects of the locality were
discussed. Several very interesting records have been made, viz., Acidalia
circellata, a fine female specimen in 1913 ; Ornix avellanella, Laverna raschkiella,
this species being an addition to the Lancashire and Cheshire county list, and
Nepticula argentipedella. Mr. Boyd exhibited the Lepidoptera catalogue for
the locality, and was congratulated upon having made such good use of the
opportunity of collecting upon the private ground surrounding the Mere. At
the close of the address, Mr. Boyd was heartily thanked for his kindness in
coming from Manchester to give his experiences.
Mr. W. Mansbridge exhibited several xanthic varieties of Fidonia atomaria
bred among a large number of the species from Burnley females. The xanthism
was confined to the hind-wings, and in most of the specimens it affected only
one of the hind-wings ; in two instances, however, both the secondaries were
nearly white all over. Mr. F. N. Pierce, generic types of the British Geome-
tridse, arranged according to their affinities as indicated by the genitalia. —
Wm. Mansbridge, Hon. Secretary.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, May 14th, 1914.— Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. B. S. Williams read a paper on " The Thysanoptera," and showed
Lantern slides and specimens under the microscope in illustration.
Mr. Hocking exhibited branches of the common furze from Danbury
Common which had been covered by a dirty white web and killed by an attack
of countless numbers of Tetranychus lintearius, an extremely small mite which
congregated in reddish brown dust-like patches. Mr. Step had seen a similar
attack of a mite on lime at Mickleham. Mr. B. Adkin, aberrations of Colias
edusa, including a 3 with very pale marginal bands, one of half the usual size
and a yellowish form of the var. helice.
1914.] 181
THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF DANAIDA PLEXIPPUS, L.
(DANAIS ARCHIPPUS, P.) WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE
TO ITS RECENT MIGRATIONS.
BY JAMES J. WALKER, M.A., R.N., F.L.S.
In a former volume of this Magazine (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XXII,
pp. 217-224), shortly after the capture of a considerable number of
specimens of Danaida plexippus in Britain had been recorded in our
current Entomological periodicals, I was induced to publish some notes
on this most interesting butterfly embodying my observations made
during a voyage in H.M.S. "Kingfisher" in the Eastern and Central
Pacific Ocean, and to speculate on the probable causes of the rapid
spread of the species at that time taking place across the warmer parts
of that ocean and the Atlantic. In the long interval that has elapsed
since this paper was written, two more voyages to Australia and the
Western Pacific, where the butterfly has now presumably established
itself as a permanent member of the insect fauna of these regions,
have enabled me to add very materially to my experiences on the subject
of the life-history and the wanderings of D. plexipptis. I therefore
venture to submit to the readers of this Magazine a summary of the
history of the recent wonderful extension of its geographical range, in
the hope that a useful purpose will be served in bringing together the
scattered records of many observers during the last half-century or
more, and that these records will prove to be of interest to
Entomologists in general.
Although up to a very recent date Danaida plexippus — to give the
butterfly its most recent generic name as adopted by Dr. Karl Jordan
and Prof. E. B. Poulton — has been regarded as an undoubted native
of the New World, the evidence brought forward by the last-named
distinguished Entomologist (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1908, pp. 449-452 :
Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species, pp. 152-164, 204 [1909])
appears, to myself at any rate, to be conclusive that so far from this
being the case, it is really " a member of an Old World genus that has
invaded the New." Its striking dissimilarity from all but a very few
(obviously allied) forms of the multitude of American Danaine butter-
flies, and its equally striking resemblance in all its stages to the widely
distributed and abundant Oriental D. genutia, Cram., had, it is true,
not escaped notice previous to the appearance of Prof. Poulton' s paper ;
but I cannot do better than to quote the learned Professor's own words
in his masterly essay on " Mimicry in North American Butterflies "
(Darwin and the Origin of Species, pp. 159-160). " The suggestion
182 [J»iy.
might perhaps be made that the New World forms of Banaida are the
more ancestral, and that those of the Old World have been derived
from them by migration westward. There is no reason for believing
that the Danaidas of either geographical area possess a more primitive
structure than those of the other ; we are therefore driven to consult
other lines of evidence. The following comparisons clearly indicate
that Banaida is an Old World genus which has invaded America at no
very remote period : — (1) the far larger number of the Old World
forms and the greater degree of specialization by which some of them
are distinguished; (2) the place of Banaida as one out of a number
of nearly related genera making up the Banaini, a large and dominant-
Old World group, per contra its isolated position in the New World ;
(3) the highly developed and complex mimetic relationships of the
Old World Danaidas." Again (I.e., p. 162), " There can be little doubt
that B. plesrippus invaded America by way of the north, probably
following the line of the Aleutian Islands. In North America it
possesses an astonishing distribution for a member of so tropical a
group, ranging immensely further north than any Danaine in the world.
Furthermore B. genutia, the probable representative of its Old Woild
ancestor, extends far beyond the tropics into Western and Central
China. A study of the distribution of the Asclepiad food-plants on
the eastern coast of "Asia might perhaps throw light[on the problem."
Further (I.e., p. 163), " It is probable that both the American Danaidas
as they pressed southwards were ' held up ' for a considerable time at
the northern borders of the Neotropical Region, unable at first to
penetrate that crowded area. Finally they burst their way through,
and are now abundant throughout all the warmer parts of the region,
the forms of ylexippus extending further into the temperate south,
just as in the Northern Hemisphere they range further north than
those of be re nice. We are made to realize the recent date of the
invasion of South America when we remember that nowhere else in
the world do Danaine butterflies of equal abundance range through
a crowded area without producing any effect on any member of the
Lepidopterous fauna, or without themselves being affected thereby,"
That the wandering instinct which in all probability carried the
ancestor of B. plexippus in past ages from the Old World to the New
still survives in full strength in its present-day descendant, is evident
from its well-known migratory habits in North America, well summar-
ized by the late Mr. J. W. Tutt in his admirable series of papers
" Migration and Dispersal of Insects " (Ent. Record, 1900, pp. 182-6,
1914.] ] 83
206-9). But as lie goes on to say (I.e., p. 236), "Whatever interest
may attach to what we may term the internal migrations of Annsia
archippus within the Nearctic region, much greater interest is felt in
its movements to distant parts of the world." It is the history of these
movements that I now proceed to consider.
The Westward Migration op Danaida plexippus.
I. New Zealand.
It is not a little singular that the first definite record of the
occurrence of D. plexippus outside the American Continent was from
so remote a locality as the North Island of New Zealand, at about
the time when it first became a British colony.
In the " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute," vol. VI,
pp. 183-6 (1874), Mr. R. W. Fereday published an interesting paper
" Obseiwations on the Occurrence of a Butterfly new to New Zealand,"
he having received a specimen of " a large handsome butterfly of the
genus Danais," captured by Mr. F. H. Meinertzhagen at Waimarama,
Hawke Bay, N.I., and identified as " Danais erippus " from a New South
Wales specimen in the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, sent by
Mr. C. French — the insect having by that time established itself in
Australia. Mr. Fereday, who in his paper adopts the Cramerian name
berenice for the insect in question, thus proceeds (I.e., p. 183), " From
Dr. Hector I have also received a specimen of this butterfly, taken last
summer at Hokitika (west coast of South Island) , where he saw it in
great abundance ; arid since the capture of the first, Mr. Meinertzhagen
has taken several more specimens at Waimarama He informs
me that wherever he has seen the butterfly it has been flying high, but
not swiftly, in sunny sheltered places among trees, and settling on them.
He also saw it travelling fast over the countiw along the coast. The
first he saw early in November, and the last he took the first week in
April. All the Maories to whom he showed the butterfly said they knew
it, and the old Maories say it is called ' Kakaku,' and is in some years
very plentiful. The caterpillar, they tell him, was very plentiful this
year, and feeds on the pollen of the gourd which they grow in that part
of the country (Hawke Bay). They are unanimous in saying that the
butterfly was there before any white man came" (the italics are my own),
"and the Rev. W. Colenso of Hawke Bay told Mr. Meinertzhagen that
he saw it many years ago."
Mr. Meinertzhagen also obtained from his neighbour, Mr. Nairn,
a coloured sketch made from memory, but clearly recognisable from
184 [July. wi4.
the description given as that of the larva of D. plexippus ; also three
pupae " short and stumpy, of a pale green colour and dotted with gold
on the edge which covers the wings. The Maori to whom, he showed
them recognised them as the pupae of the Danais. Unfortunately the
rats got at them and destroyed them " These larvae were found on
"the Gomphocarpus ovata, one of the milk-producing plants, and a
native of the Cape of Good Hope."
In the same periodical for 1877 (Tr. N. Z. I., vol. X, pp. 276-280)
appears an interesting account by the Rev. W. Colenso of his breeding
" Danais berenice " from larvae found feeding on some " cotton-plants "
grown from seed at Meeanee, HawkeBay. This paper elicited a letter,
under date February 17th, 1878, to Mr. Colenso from Mr. P. W. C.
Sturm, which appears in full in Tr. N. Z. I., vol. XI, p. 305, and is of
very great interest as fixing a fairly definite date when D. plexippus
first came under the notice of a competent observer in New Zealand.
Mr. Sturm thus writes — " In regard to the butterfly, Danais berenice,
or a closely allied species (as per your paper on the same) the first
time I saw it was at the Reinga, rip the Wairoa River in Hawke Bay,
in December, 1840, or January, 1841. In 1848 I captured a number
at the Waiau, a tributary to the Wairoa; I cannot recollect how many,
but it must have been eight or nine at least Again, in 1861, I
captured three on the Rangatikei River one of which I have
still in my collection. Four years back I saw three or four in my
garden here and two years ago there was a great number in my
gardens, always keeping about the Lombardy poplars and Houheria
populnea I certainly believe the butterfly to be indigenous and
not introduced ; and my observations of it fully coincide with yours
that while in certain years it is plentiful, in other years it is not to be
seen."
Unless we accept as true the statement made by the Maoi'is to
Mr. Meinertzhagen " that the butterfly was there before any white men
came," which may point to a still earlier invasion of New Zealand by
D. plexippus, Mr. Sturm's record given above is, as far as I can
ascertain, the first indication of the great migrations of the insect.
In more recent years, although D. plexippus has been several times
recorded in New Zealand, mainly from the neighbourhood of Cook's
Straits (Hudson, New Zealand Moths and Butterflies, pp. 102-3) it
seems except in one instance always to have occurred sparingly or
singly, and would appear to be barely, if at all, holding its own in the
Islands. This exception was at Wanganui (N. I.) in 1894, when
DESIDERATA.
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CONTENTS. page
Some Records of Scottish Siphonaptera (concluded).— Re o. James Waterston,
B.I)., B.Sv 161
Dorcatoma punctulata, Muls., in England. — D. Sharp, 31. A., F ' E.S 167
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F.Z.S 176
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"Vanessa antiopa in Berks. — E. Ernest Green, F.E.S 177
Reviews. — " Entomology, with special reference to its Biological and Economic
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Societies. — Lancashire and Cheshire Entomological Society 179
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The Geographical Distribution of Danaida plexippus, L. (Danais archippus, F.)
with especial reference to its recent migrations. — James J. Walker, 31. A.,
B.N.,F.L.S 181
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August, 1914] pp. 185
Mr. P. A. Marshall recorded it (Tr. N. Z. L, vol. XXVIII, ». 313) as
" breeding in hundreds in Wanganui on plants of a species of Gomphu-
carpus in gardens, but not appearing the following summer." During
the thirteen months, in 1901 and 1902, that I was continuously in New
Zealand, I never had the good fortune to see a specimen on the wing,
and my friend Mr. Gr. V. Hudson regarded it as distinctly a rarity
in the Islands. Gompliocarpus frutirosus, R. Br. (Asclepiadeae), the
ordinary food of the larva at Sydney, is sometimes grown in New
Zealand gardens under the name of the " cotton-plant," from the large
seed-capsules full of white cottony down enveloping the minute seeds;
and the West Indian Asclepias nivea, L., is recorded as "an escape
from gardens near Auckland" (Cheeseman, Tr. N. Z. I., vol. XV,
p. 287), but neither of these plants appear to have become naturalized
to anything like the same extent as is the case with the first-named in
Australia at the present time.
II. The Central and North Pacific Islands.
My own observations on the extension of the range of Danaida
plexippus to the Marquesas, Society, Cook, Hervey, and other island
groups in mid-Pacific, as well as those of Mr. G. F. Mathew in the
islands further to the west in that ocean, which appeared in my former
paper in this Magazine (I.e., pp. 219, 220, 224), have been embodied
by Dr. S. H. Scudder in the admirable history of the butterfly in his
monumental work, " The Butterflies of the Eastern United States and
Canada." (Cambridge.Mass., 1889) . The section entitled " Commercial
Extension in Recent Tears " (vol. I, p. 730 et seq.), deals with the
question of its range over the Pacific Islands in so thorough and
interesting a manner, that I make no apology for quoting it almost in
full, though, as will be seen later on, I am by no means in complete
agreement with some of his suggestions relative to the " means of
dispersal."
" Among the most interesting points in the distribution of this butter-
fly is the fact that within 30 years or a little more it has begun to invade
so many regions of the world as to make one think at first blush that it
may some day vie with Vanessa cardui in cosmopolitan character. The
facts concerning its exotic distribution, so far as I have been able to
gather them, are as follows : - It first reached the Hawaiian Islands,
fully two thousand miles from America, some time not far from 1845
to 1850. At any rate we have the direct statement of Dr. Luther H.
Grulick who was born upon the islands, that in 1852, after eleven
Q
186 [August,
years absence, lie returned to the islands, and his brother drew his
attention to the fact that Asclepias had been introduced during his
absence, and had already become a troublesome weed ; that his brother
had noticed that where the milk weed appeared, there also the Anosia
made its advent, a butterfly unknown until after the milk weed had
been introduced. We next find it in 1857 as far away as the Island of
Ponape (Ascension), one of the Caroline Islands in Micronesia, a dis-
tance of another two thousand miles or so from the Hawaiian Islands.
This fact we also owe to Dr. Gulick's personal testimony. He was for
some time a resident of Ponape, and the butterfly was first seen by him
in the year mentioned, not long after he had discovered several young
milk weeds, which had sprung up in earth in which various other
plants had been brought from the Hawaiian Islands in a Wardian
case. The plants were brought in a missionary vessel which sailed
from Honolulu, and on its way to Ponape touched only at Apaiang of
the Gilbert Islands and Ebon of the Marshall group, both low coral
atolls, and at Kusaie, which is of basaltic formation and richly clothed
with verdure, but where the butterfly did not then occur. It is
evidently impossible that in a voyage consisting in the whole of fifty-
four days, the insect in any stage or stages could have been transported
in the Wardian case itself, for it easily undergoes all its transformations
in warm regions in a month or five weeks at most. If the butterflies
were introduced at that time, as there is every reason to believe from
Dr. Gulick's accounts, there seems no other supposition possible than
that an impregnated female flew into the hold of the vessel while lading
at Honolulu, and was carried j^erforce to Ponape, or perhaps a pair of
butterflies. It would certainly be absurd to suppose that a gravid
female could have flown over the two or three thousand miles of ocean,
and in addition have appeared in Ascension Island almost simultane-
ously with a few plants of Asclepias. As the butterflies pass the
entire winter in hibernation, and then lay eggs in the spring, there is
nothing in any way surprising in Dr. Gulick's statements, unless it be
impossible for an impregnated female to live in enforced hibernation a
couple of months without laying, when it would be necessary to
suppose a pair to have been transported, which would of course be
more extraordinary.
" Granting our explanation to be just, it is highly probable that
it was from this single ancestor, or pair, that the swarms, which have
already now spread over the entire South Seas, in many of which it is
the commonest butterfly known, have sprung. Our knowledge of the
1914.] 187
period and extent of this later distribution we owe largely to
Professor Semper,* who states that the butterfly was first seen in 1863
by Captain Rachan, one of numerous collectors of the Museum
Godeffroy on the islands of the Tonga or Friendly group, again nearly
2,000 miles from Ponape. The first specimen actually obtained was
secured in 1866 on Niuafau, one of the islands of this group, and in
the same year larvae were discovered on Asclepias curassavica, a plant
now spread quite as far as the Anosia. We now begin to be able to
record in part the rapidity of its spread ; for it was first seen in
Tutuilla, one of the islands of the neighbouring Samoan group, in
1867, but upon Upolu and Savaii, islands of the same Samoan group,
distant at the nearest some fifty miles, not until 1869. Yet in Upolu
it became one of the commonest butterflies in 1870. It was not until
1868 that it was discovered at Tongabalu (sic), one of the southern
of the Tonga Islands, but in the same year it was seen in the open
sea five hundred nautical miles to the south-east. In 1869 it had
appeared at Eoratonga, one of the Hervey Islands, five hundred
miles or more away. In 1870 to 1872 it was found on Huahine
and Tahiti, of the Society Islands, again five hundred miles or more
distant. So far the account of Professor Semper. But Mr. James
J. Walker, who sailed in the South Seas in 1883 and found
Anosia nearly everywhere one of the commonest butterflies, states
that he was informed at the Marquesas Islands, which lie to the
north-east of the Society Islands, again at a distance of some five
hundred miles, by a Roman Catholic missionary residing there forty
years, that he distinctly remembered seeing the first specimen there
about 1860 ; it should be noted that the Marquesas Islands are nearly
as distant in a south-easterly direction from the Hawaiian Islands as
the Carolines are to the south-west. Mr. Walker also found the
butterfly on the Hervey and Society Islands, and at Oparo, one of the
Andaman (sic !) group, in 28° south latitude, though it had not then
reached Pitcairn Island, which lies much farther east and somewhat
farther north. These statistics indicate its movements from the Caro-
line Islands in an easterly and south-easterly direction, but it has also
left its mark by the way in a southward extension from this route of
travel It reached Lord Howe's Islands in 1870, Clarence River
on the opposite coast of Australia in 1871, Melbourne in 1872, and
has now extended to Celebes, and, according to Kirby, to Java.
*G. Semper on the appearance of DanaU archippu* in the South Sea Islands,
Australia and Celebes : Journ. Mua. Godeffroy, II, pp. 117-119 (1873).
188 [Augnst
" It thus appears that it now possesses a territory in the Pacific
Ocean of at least 110° of longitude and 65° of latitude. But this is
by no means all. It has moved also in some strange way in the
opposite direction from the American Continent."
In all these widely separated island-groups Danaida plexippus
appears to have become one of the commonest butterflies in a very
few years after its arrival, and the following passage from that delight-
ful narrative of Pacific voyaging, " South Sea Bubbles," shows that
not only was this the case in one at least of these groups, but that its
American origin was there a matter of common knowledge. Writing
of Samoa in 1870, one of the authors says: — "Coming down from
our ravine, we pass through a wilderness of imported plants and
shrubs, flourishing in wild luxuriancy. That red and brown flower,
which makes such pretty wreaths for the girls' heads, and the down
from whose pods is so dangerous to the eyes, is an importation,
Heaven knows how, from America ; and not only is it an importation,
but it has imported its own butterfly with it, that splendid red and
brown fellow who looks as if he had got half his colour from his
native flower." More than twenty years after this date, Mrs. Jane
Fraser (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XXX, p. 149) notes D. plexippus as "one of
the first butterflies to be noticed in the Navigator (Samoa) Islands "
and in Upolu it was very much at home, but was decidedly more
numerous at a few hundred feet above the sea.
I am not aware of any very recent records from the Central Pacific,
but I think there can be no reasonable doubt that both the butterfly and
its most usual food-plant, are firmly and permanently established in the
larger groups of islands. But as regards Micronesia,which consists with
very few exceptions of coral atolls of no great size, and elevated only a
few feet above the ocean level, itjwould appear that there J), plexippus
exists on a very precarious tenure, and perhaps not at all as a perma-
nent resident ; though, as already stated, Ponape in the Carolines has
been suggested by Dr. Scudder as one of the chief centres of distri-
bution in the Pacific. Mr. Mathew (Ent, Mo. Mag., vol. XXII, p. 220)
did not meet with it in his cruise'among the Gilbert, Ellice, Marshall,
and Caroline Islands, though he saw Asclepias in the last-named
group ; neither is it included in the list of butterflies collected by the
Eev. S. J. Whitmee in the Ellice Islands (A. G. Butler, P.Z.S., 1878,
pp. 296-7), nor in those found by Mr. C. M. Woodford in Nukufetau,
Ellice Is., Tarawa and Tapetewea, Gilbert Is. (A. G. Butler, Ann.
Mag. Nat. Hist, [5], XV, pp. 296-7). Again, in the small list of
in*.] 180
insects collected by Mr. C. Hedley during the coral-boring expedition
in 1896 to Funafuti in the Ellice Group (Rainbow, Memoirs Austr.
Museum, III, part ii, p. 95), there is no mention of the occurrence
of D. plexippus, nor is Asclepias curassamca included among the few
plants noticed by him or by subsequent visitors as growing on that
atoll. It is quite possible that the conditions of these small islands
do not favour the growth of the plant.
III. The Western Pacific, Australia, the
Malay Archipelago, &c.
The very interesting records of Danaida plexippus in the Western
Pacific Islands, by my friend Paymaster-in-Chief Gf. F. Mat hew,
R.N., nearly thirty years ago, have been included in my previous paper
(Ent, Mo. Mag., vol. XXII, pp. 220, 221), and have been supplemented
by my own observations made in 1900 in New Caledonia, the New
Hebrides, and the Loyalty Islands (7. c, vol. XXXVIII, p. 192, et seq.).
I have, however, been unable to collect any information as to the date
at which it first made its appearance in any of these island groups ;
but it probably reached this region very shortly after its arrival in the
Central Pacific.
In the "Field" of April 16th, 1881 (p. 539), Mr. E. L. Layard
fives the following very interesting notes on the butterfly and its food-
plant as observed by him at Teremta, a French military post on the
west side of New Caledonia, some sixty miles north of Noumea —
" A burst of sunshine and we are out on a sandy flat, also evidently
subject to frequent overflow of the river .... but now covered with
a luxuriant growth of the pest- weed of that country, the " gensdarmes
plant " as it is called, second only to the Lantana in its powers of
expansion and destructiveness Millions of huge red-brown
butterflies sported among the flowers of this useless plant, their larvae
devouring the leaves in spite of the acrid milky sap they contain. It
is strange that both plant and insect are introductions, and not
natives of the colony. The former, an Asclepiad, is said to have
been brought from Tahiti by a gendarme who had stuffed his
mattress with the silky cotton of the pods. This he emptied out in
his barracks near Noumea, and the few chance seeds clinging to the
cotton, finding a suitable soil, established themselves, and have thence
spread all over the land. The butterfly (Danais) is an American
insect that appeared suddenly in Australia. It was apparently intro-
duced here in a case of plants by Pere Montrouzier, the celebrated
190 [August,
French naturalist, from thence, and has followed the plant in its
migrations."
It is just possible that in this instance the butterfly was introduced
into New Caledonia by the worthy Father with a view to its utility in
keeping down a noxious weed ; indeed, the ravages of the larva, as
suggested by Mr. Layard, would appear a few years later to have so
far destroyed the Asclepias as to cause a noteworthy reduction in the
numbers of the butterfly through want of food (cf. Ent. Mo. Mag.,
vol. XXII, p. 220). Certainly when I visited New Caledonia and the
Loyalty Islands in 1900 (I.e., vol. XXXVIII, pp. 192, 201), the
Danaida and the Asclepias, though both plentiful enough, could not
have been called superabundant. However, I prefer to think that the
insect found its way to New Caledonia, as to the other localities in the
Pacific Ocean, without definite human aid.
As early as 1870 we find the Danaida recorded in considerable
numbers at Brisbane, Queensland, by Mr. W. H. Miskin (Ent. Mo.
Mag., vol. VIII, p. 17). At about the same time the butterfly was
found at Eockingham Bay, on the coast, 1500 miles to the north of
Brisbane. Prof. F. McCoy, Director of the National Museum of
Victoria, gives a very interesting account of the sudden appearance of
B. plexippus at Melbourne (Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (4), XI, pp.
440-1) (1893), which I quote at some length : — " This fine butterfly
was sent to me about December, 1870, from Lord Howe's Island, on
the north-east coast of Australia, by a collector for the Museum, who
was wrecked there ; but as I had never seen it in any of the North-
Australian, or Queensland, or New- South- Wales collections, and knew
it to be an inhabitant of the Southern States of America, I suspected
that the specimen might have been obtained from some collector on
board some American ship in those seas. A few months after, a
specimen was sent to me by a collector established on the Clarence
Biver, in New South Wales, as something he had not seen before, and
another friend, fond of insects, travelling in the far north of the
continent, also sent me an example as something strange. As there
were no exact accounts of the actual capture of these specimens, I
fancied they all might have come from some one American source, and
paid little attention to the matter. On the last Sunday in April last
(1872), or about a year and five months after, I was walking in my
garden at Brighton, a place on the sea-shore about eight miles south
of Melbourne, and was astonished to see that a larger butterfly with
a more bat-like flight than any inhabitant of the colony, which
F1914.] 191
attracted my attention among the flower-buds, was the Danais
archippus ; and presently the two sexes were seen. Being Sunday,
they escaped ; but next morning, going through the grounds of the
University on the north side of Melbourne I observed two
more before me, and on going to my room found my collector in a
great state of excitement at having caught one in my botanic garden
in the University grounds, and having the previous day seen one five
miles south of Brighton. So that the insect had made its appearance
for the first time in the colony simultaneously at places fourteen miles
apart, and with no community of character or vegetation. On the
three following Sundays I saw two or three specimens in fine con-
dition, which could not, therefore, have been those seen at first ; and
last week (end of March, 1873), I saw some in the street leading to
the University, and on the same day the collector came across
them .... at the opposite side of the city .... This sudden
American invasion of the whole continent seems worth recording."
It is evident that New South Wales was reached by D. plexippus
very soon after its first arrival in Australia. Mr. G-. A. Wateidiouse
states (Proc, Linn. Soc. N. S. Wales, 1897, p. 286) that " since 1870,
it has been a very familiar insect about Sydney." An indication of
an even earlier arrival is, however, given by Mr. A. S. Olliff on p. 10
of his little work on "Australian Butterflies" (Sydney, 1889). He
says : " It is generally thought that 1870 was the first year of its
appearance here (at Sydney), but Dr. Barusay of the Australian
Museum informs me that he is positive that he saw the species at
Ashfield, near Sydney, as early as the year 1856. Observers are so
scattered, that the exact date of the insect's arrival can only be a
matter of conjecture. It is evident, however, that the species did not
obtain a firm foot-hold until 1870 or thereabouts." It was the very
first butterfly that I saw on the wing at Sydney, in February, 1900, and
on all my visits to that port I found it in more or less abundance. Here
I may record an unpremeditated experiment which clearly demonstrates
the extreme unpalatability of the insect in the larva state. One day in
May, 1903, while my friend Mr. H. J. Carter and I were lunching in
the garden of the hotel at Narrabean, a few miles north of Sydney
Harbour, a small pet monkey picked my pocket and made off with a
pill- box containing two full-fed larvae of D. plexippus. She at once
proceeded to devour the tempting-looking caterpillars, and it will be
long before I forget the expression of supreme disgust on the face of
the little creature when she realised the flavour of her supposed prize,
192 August,
nor the ludicrous haste with which she rejected the nauseous mouthful,
even rubbing her tongue vigorously on the grass for some time to get
rid of the taste.
A large portion of the Australian Continent is apparently as yet
unoccupied by D. plexippus, as during the voyages of H.M.S. " Pen-
guin " to the North- West Coast in 1890 and 1891 I did not observe
it in any of the numerous localities visited by the ship between Port
Darwin and Shark's Bay, nor had it at that period reached the more
settled districts of Western Australia. Directly we entered the Malay
Archipelago, however, the butterfly put in an appearance, and I have
recorded it from Damma, Amboyna, and Ternate (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
vol. XXIX, pp. 25, 27, 30). At Damma I had another convincing
demonstration of the insect's inedibility, this time of the imago. I
had lain down to rest under a shady tree one very hot afternoon, and
on waking after a short doze, was horrified to find that a swarm of
black ants had found their way into my cork helmet, pinned full of
my day's catch of butterflies, and that nearly all its contents were
reduced to rags. The sole exceptions to the general destruction
were one or two Euploeas and the single Danaida plexippus, a large
$ , that I had seen on the island. These the ants had left absolutely
untouched.
In the Philippine Islands, as well as at Hong Kong, I failed to
meet with B. plexippus, though in the latter island I saw plenty of
Asclepias curassavica, which is there a favourite food-plant of the larva
of D. clinjsippus. On the evidence of a single specimen in the Oxford
University Museum labelled " Hong Kong 1896-7 ex Swinhoe," it
would seem to have found its way there since my visit. Among
further records from the Eastern Archipelago, I may notice that
Dr. W. J. Holland, in the "Twenty-fourth Annual Eeport of the
Entomological Society of Ontario " writing in 1893 " On the Occur-
rence of Danais plexippus in consignments of Eastern ~Lepi&optera"
remarks : " One of the sendings was from Borneo, the other from
Java. We shall soon hear of its domestication on the mainland of
Asia, and it will probably spread all over China and Japan." Yet
more interesting, as being in all probability the farthest record of the
insect in a westerly direction from America, is that by Mr. L. de
Niceville and Hofrath Dr. L. Martin in " A List of the Butterflies
of Sumatra" (Journal, Royal Asiatic Soc, Bengal, vol. LXIV
pp. 366-7) — " Mr. W. F. Kirby has already recorded it from Java.
I now for the first time, I believe, record it from North Borneo, the
1914.] 193
late Mr. W. Davison having sent me a male specimen from that
island .... Furthermore, the late Mr. E. F. T. Atkinson in 1889
presented a female specimen of this species to the Indian Museum,
Calcutta, which was captured on April 19th, 1889, by Mr. C. White,
the chief officer of the P. and 0. S.S. " Eavenna," in the Strait of
Malacca (which is, at the point where the butterfly was caught, only a
few miles broad). It is therefore not at all improbable that the
butterfly flew from either the adjacent island of Sumatra or the
Asiatic mainland." In the same paragraph the authors remark that
— " In Part II of a new edition of Morris's History of British Butter-
flies, p. 72, it is stated to have been found in the Andaman Islands."
This record, if correct, would carry the butterfly still farther on its
westward course ; but it is quite possible that in this case the common
Oriental D. genutia may have been mistaken for D. plexippus ; or it
may even be that the unaccountable erratum of Dr. Scudder (I.e.,
p. 732) in referring Oparo in the Central South Pacific to the
" Andaman group," has given rise to the statement.
In January, 1904, when on my voyage home from Australia in
H.M.S. " Diadem," the ship called at the Cocos-Keeling Islands (lat.
12° S., long. 97° E.). During the short time that I was on shore
there, one of the two species of butterflies seen by me on the wing
was Danaida clirysippus, a certain indication of the presence of an
Asclepias, though I did not actually see the plant growing. In his
list of Keeling Atoll plants made in 1879 (A Naturalist's Wanderings
in the Eastern Archipelago, p. 43), Mr. H. 0. Forbes includes
Asclepias curassavica, and states (I.e., p. 31) that its flowers are
" frequented by several moderately large diurnal species of Lepido-
ptera." The food-plant of plexippus is therefore ready for the
butterfly, should it any time be blown to that remote atoll by one of
the cyclones which are known to carry many other insects thither
(cf. Forbes, I.e., pp. 30, 31). A long way further to the west and north,
when passing through the Suez Canal in June, 1893, I saw Asclepias
curassavica growing luxuriantly at Ismailia, and attended by numbers
of D. chrysippus.
(To be continued).
104* [August,
HYGROPORA CUNCTAN8, Er. : A GENUS AND SPECIES OF
STAPHYLMIDM NEW TO THE BEITISH LIST.
BY JAMES J. WALKER, M.A., E.N., F.L.S.
While searching for Nanophyes gracilis among its food-plant
Peplis portula in a little damp spot on the open heath near Bracken -
hurst, in company with Dr. Sharp on June 24th last, I bottled a little
active black Staphylinid which did not attract much attention at the
time, but it proved on further examination to be quite unknown to
both of us. Dr. Sharp has since taken a very few more specimens
under similar conditions — one at least having been found on exactly
the same spot as the first — and these have enabled him to identify
the insect as Hygropora (Oxypoda) cunctans, Er., (Kaf . Mark Brand., I,
p. 349).
Kraatz (Ins. Deutschl., II, p. 132), whose description is good and
unmistakeable, established the genus Hygropora for Erichson's insect,
mainly on account of differences in the mouth-parts from those of
Oxypoda. It was again described by Thomson (Ofv. Vet. Ac. Forh.,
1855, p. 196) under the name of Oxypoda curticollis ; and the genus
Pycnarsea was subsequently established by him for its reception.
(Skand. Col., Ill, p. 29), His description agrees better with the
insect than that of Mulsant, though the latter was of opinion that
Thomson's species could not be identical with the species Mulsant
considered to be Erichson's H. cunctans. The figures by Jacquelin-
Duval (Gen. des Coleop., II, pi. 7, fig. 34) and by Eeitter (Faun.
G-erm., II, pi. 41, f. 20) are neither of them very satisfactory.
H. cunctans is recorded from Austria, Germany, and Northern
Europe, but seems to be everywhere very rare. It may easily be
distinguished from an Oxypoda by the heavier build, and the shorter
penultimate segments of the abdomen, and it has a good deal of the
general aspect of a small specimen of Microglossa pulla., G-yll. My
example has a curious malformation of the antennas, the penultimate
joint of each being reduced to less than half the usual length, thus
appearing excessively transverse, though otherwise these organs are
normal.
I am greatly indebted to my friend Dr. Sharp for most of the
above particulars and references respecting this very interesting
addition to our Fauna.
Aorangi, Lonsdale Eoad,
Summertown, Oxford :
July Uth, 1914.
1914.1 195
COLEOPTERA FEOM SUTHEELAND FLOOD KUBBISH.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
In Julj, last year, when travelling across Sutherlandshire from
Lairg to Tongue in the mail motor car, I kept a loo!<-out when passing a
river for any place where flood rubbish might accumulate. I noticed one
such place where the Eiver Tirry bent at a right angle close to a cottage.
Fortunately the motor stopped a short distance farther on, and I had
the opportunity of asking a man in a cart the name of the occupier
and address of the cottage. Shortly after, I wrote to the latter ex-
plaining to him in detail how to gather the flood rubbish off the
surface of the water when the river was in " full spate," and sending
him a bag for it. It was not until May 9th of this year that he was
able to obtain any, and it did not arrive here for several days as he
was unable to send it off at once. It consisted almost entirely of long
grass, with very little heather. The place where it was gathered is
about four miles north of Lairg, and is about 400 feet above sea-level.
I treated the flood rubbish, which arrived dry enough to sieve, by what
is now my routine method. It is first shaken through a large sieve of
about f-in. mesh, a watch being kept for the larger Carabidse, etc., in
the coarse rubbish thrown away. In this way it is reduced to about
one third of its original bulk. This residue is then very carefully
examined in small quantities, about half a handful at a time. A sieve
of Ta-in. mesh is used, and two large, steep-sided basins.
As there are so few records of Coleoptera from Sutherland I think
it worth while mentioning all the species — 147 in number — found in
the sack of rubbish. The majority are quite common and generally
distributed species, and indeed there are very few purely northern
forms. The most interesting captures are Atheta britteni, Jov, of
which about 30 specimens were captured, and XanthnHnus scoticus,
Joy, which was quite common. The curious alutaceous surface on the
head and thorax is quite distinct in all the specimens of the latter
species, but varies to some extent. In two specimens in which it is
less distinct, there is a tendency to very fine and diffuse punctuation
on the disc of the thorax as in X. ochraceus, so that eventually
X. scoticus may prove to be only a northern form of the latter species.
Notiophilus bigattatus, F. ; N. aquaticus, L. ; N. palustris, Dufts. j Elaphrus
cupreus, Dufts. ; Loricera pilicornis, F. ; Clivina fossor, L. ; Dyschirius globosus,
BTbst. ; Bradycelhis similis, Dej. ; Harpalus latus, L. ; Pterostichus nigrita, F. ;
P. diligens, Stm. ; Amara lunicollis, Schiodte; A. communis, Pz. ; Calathus
cisteloides, Pz. ; C. melanocephalus, L. (the type form only) ; Bembidium manner-
196
[August,
heimi, Sahib. ; Trechus minutus, F. ; Patrobus excavatus, Pk. ; Hydrobius
picicrus, Th. ; Anacaena globulus, Pk. ; Helophorus viridicollis, Steph. ; Limnebius
truncatellus, Thunb. ; Cercyon obsoletus, Gyll. ; C. melanocephalus, L. ; C. quis-
quilius,Ij. ; C.pygrnseus, 111. ; Megasternum boletophagum, Marsh. ; Cryptopleurum
atomarium, Ol. ; Aleochara lanuginosa, Gi-av. ; A. nitida, Grav. ; Exaleochara
morion, Grav. ; Oxypoda opaca, Grav. ; 0. edinensis, Sharp ; 0. umbrata, Gyll. ;
0. longiuscula, Grav. ; 0. exigua, Er. ; Ocyusa, incrassata, Muls. ; Ocalea castanea,
Er. ; Drusilla canaliculata,F. ; Atheta elongatula, Grav.; A. melanocera, Th. ;
A. obtusangula, Joy ; A. clavipes, Sharp ; A. tibialis, Heer. ; A. vicina, Steph. ;
A. graminicola, Grav. ; A. eremita, Rye ; A. magniceps, Sahib. ; A. debilis, Er. ;
A. britteni, Joy ; A. deformis, Kr. ; A. circellaris, Grav. ; A. analis, Grav. ; A. in-
dubia, Shp. ; A. mortuorum, Th. ; A. germana, Sharp ; A. cauta, Er. ; A. atramen-
taria, Gyll. ; A. longicornis, Grav. ; A. fungi, Grav. ; Falagria sulcata, Pk. ; Mijllzena
brevicornis, Matt. ; Hypocyptus Iseviusculus, Mann. ; Tachyporus obtusus, L
T. chrysomelinus, L. ; T. pusillus, Grav. ; Tachinus rufipes, De G. ; T. marginellus
F. ; Megacronus analis, Pk. ; Mycetoporus lepidus, Grav. ; v. longulus, Mann
(both forms equally common) ; M. clavicornis, Steph. ; M. splendidus, Grav.
Quedius molochinus, Grav. ; Q. umbrinus, Er. ; Q. scintillans, Grav. ; Q. attenuatus
Gyll.; Q. boops, Grav.; Staphylinus erythropterus, L. ; Ocypus cupreus, Rossi
Philonthus splendens, F. ; P. laminatus, Creutz. ; P. politus, F. ; P. varius, F
(type form only, very common) ; P. trossulus, Nord. ; Xantholinus scoticus, Joy
X. cribripennis, Fauv. ; X. linearis, 01. ; Othiusfulvipennis, F. ; 0. melanocephalus
Grav. ; 0. myrmecophilus, Kies. ; Lathrobium fnlvipenne, Grav. ; L. brunnipes, F.
L. terminatum, Grav. ; Stenus guttula, Mull. ; S. juno, F. ; S. providus, Er.
S. speculator, Lac. ; S. declaratus, Er. ; S. impressus, Germ. ; S. foveicollis, Kr.
S. latifrons, Er. ; Platystethus arenarius, Fourc. ; Oxytelus rugosus, F. ; 0. laque
atus, Marsh. ; 0. tetracarinatus, Block ; Lesteva sicula, Er. ; Acidota crenata,F.
Olophrum fuscum, Grav. ; Homalium excavatum, Steph. ; H. exiguum, Gyll.
Megarthrus depressus, Payk. ; Clambus armadillo, De G. ; Agathidium leevigatum
Er. ; Choleva angustata, F. ; Scydmsenus collaris, Mull. ; Pselaphus heisei, Hbst.
Bythinus bulbifer, Reich. ; Trichopteryx atomaria, De G. ; Ptilium kunzei, Heer.
Scymnus testaceus, Mots. ; Hister neglectus, Germ. ; Micropeplus porcatus, Pk.
Epursea sestiva, L. ; Simplocaria semistriata, F. ; Parnus ernesti, Ganglb.
Aphodius fimetarius, L. ; A. ater, De G. ; A. lapponum, Gyll. ; A. punctato-
sulcatus, Stm. ; A. depressus, Kug. ; Cryptohypnus riparius, F. ; Corymbites
cupreus, F. ; C. tessellatus, F. ; Cyphon variabilis, Thunb. ; C. punctipennis,
Sharp ; Chrysomela staphylaea, L. ; Hydrothassa aucta, F. ; Lochmeea suturalis,
Th. ; Haltica palustris, Weise ; Longitarsus holsaticus, L. ; L. luridus, Scop. ;
Chsetocnema hortensis, Fourc. ; Otiorrhynchus maurus, Gyll. ; 0. picipes, F. ;
Barynotus schonherri, Zett.
Bradfield, Berks :
July 1st, 1914.
19H]. 197
A NEW BEITISH COCCID (KUWANIA BBITANNICA).
BY E. ERNEST GREEN, F.E.S.
Camberley, being a pine, birch, and heather country, I have been
scrutinizing these plants, to note the Coccid fauna associated with
them. I have, so far, found nothing on the pines. On the ling I have
seen an occasional example of Mytilaspis ulmi (pomorum), and — on an
ashy-leaved Erica — an Eriococcvs which will probably prove to be
E. devoniensis (hitherto recorded from Budleigh Salterton only).
The birches have produced Aspidiotus ostreseformis, Pulvinaria
vitis, and an extremely interesting species that proves to be not only
an addition to the British fauna, but also new to science. The dis-
covery is the more interesting in that the insect belongs to a sub-
family (Margarodinse) of which there have hitherto been no repre-
sentatives in the British Isles, and to a genus (Kuwania) of which
the two known species occur in Japan and Ceylon respectively.
Kuwania britannica, sp. nov.
Adult female (fig. 1) elongate, parallel-sided ; cephalic extremity narrowest
and tapering, posterior extremity ronnded ; abdomen considerably longer than
head and thorax together.
Antennae set close together on the extreme anterior margin. S-jointed
(fig. 2), or 9-jointed by subdivision of the apical joint (fig. 3) ; the basal
joint large and broad, fleshy, with a mucronate chitinous plate on its tinder
surface. Other joints narrower, rigid, subfusiform ; 2nd and 3rd broader than
long ; 4th approximately as long as broad ; others longer than broad, narrowing
to the base ; 5th, 6th, and 7th approximately eqtial ; 8th much longer than
preceding six, but rather shorter than the large basal joint. Sometimes the
terminal joint has an incomplete division, bisecting it transversely (fig. 3).
All the joints, except the 1st, with a circlet of stout setae at their distal
extremities.
Eyes conspicuous, marginal, immediately below the base of the antennae,
in a chitinous plate (see figs. 1 and 2).
Legs well developed. Femur and trochanter together a little longer than
tibia ; tarsus about two-thirds length of tibia. All the joints with a few stout
spines, principally on their inner areas. Claw (fig. 5) falcate, broad at base ;
the terminal half demarked by an incomplete division simulating a joint ; the
broad basal part encircled by a series of from 8 to 10 long stout clubbed
digitules.
Spiracles conspicuous, circular ; eight on each side, of which two pairs
open on the venter of the thorax and six pairs on the dorso-lateral area of the
abdomen. Each segment with a median band of small circular grandular pores
198 [August,
which are more numerous and crowded towards the posterior extremity of the
body, the terminal segment being almost evenly covered with them.
Genital aperture on venter of terminal segment. Anal orifice simple,
encircled by a stout chitinous ring, opening on the extreme posterior margin
(fig- 6).
There are small series of stout setse on the venter of all the segments, with
the exception of the first and last segments of the abdomen (see fig. 1).
Length of extended body from 4.5 to 6 mm. Breadth across base of
abdomen, 1.5 mm.
Colour of shrivelled insect, blackish or slaty brown.
During oviposition the body of the female becomes greatly
shrivelled and covered with a white woolly secretion, which is
eventually extended as a loose ovisac of from 4 to 6 mm. in length.
At the completion of the egg-laying process the female insect is
reduced to a length of 1 mm. or less, the body becoming completely
telescoped.
Eggs and young larvae very pale yellow. Length approximately
0.25 mm.
The larva is of a regular oval form, the body terminating in two
short setae. Antennae 6-jointed ; basal joint large and broad ; 2nd,
3rd and 4th smallest ; 5th larger, broadly dilated ; 6th longest, tapering
to the extremity. Claw with 2 digitules (fine knobbed hairs). Rostrum
conspicuous. A long stout seta projects laterally on each side of the
body, on a level with the base of the rostrum. Thoracic spiracles (4)
large and conspicuous; no abdominal spiracles.
Subsequent stages of the female have not been observed. They
may be expected to occur, buried in the inner tissues of the bark, in an
encysted form, without limbs or antennae.
A few empty male puparia were found, entangled in the ovisacs of
the female. They are in the form of rather closely felted narrow
cocoons, 1.5 mm. in length.
Larval exuviae of the male exhibit short conical antennae of 7
joints, each with many long stout bristles. The apical joint broadly
oval, the others mere chitinous rings decreasing in size from the basal
joint, which is about as broad as the length of the apical joint. Derm
with many large multilocular spinnerets and stout setae. Claw with 4
or more stout knobbed digitules.
When discovered, on the 20th June, the females were already
1914.]
199
spent and shrivelled, and the ova were commencing to hatch. The
ovisacs were first noticed, sparsely, in crevices in the stems of old birch
trees, but were subsecpuently discovered, more abundantly, amongst
decayed leaves and rubbish at the base of the trees. It would appear,
therefore, that the normal habit of the fertilised female is to leave the
tree and descend into the loose material at the base of the stems.
EXPLANATION OF FIGURES:
Kuwania britannica.
1. Adult female, optical section from the ventral aspect, x 13.
2. Antenna and eye, x 95.
3. Terminal joint of antenna, showing subdivision, x 95.
4. Distal half of mid leg, x 95.
5. Foot, x 350.
6. Posterior extremity of body, showing anal orifice, x 95.
Eaglesfield, Park Road,
Camberley :
Juhj, 1914.
200 [August,
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON BUPALUS PINIABIUS, L.
BY H. G. CHAMPION, B.A.
Having become interested last year in the ravages of Bupalus
piniarius at Salnriinster, S.W. Prussia (c/. Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. L.,
p. 41), I was glad of an opportunity last Easter to see another and
even better example at Eberstadt, near Darmstadt, Hessen. I men-
tioned (loc. cit.) that at Salmiinster no steps were taken to mitigate
the destruction done by the larva ; at Eberstadt, however, the Forstrat
had applied various remedies over experimental areas, such as bringing
into one section a flock of 200 chickens, which I saw there working
very assiduously collecting the pupa?, whose numbers were estimated,
from sample plots examined, at about 100 per square metre over a
large area. In another place, the moss and needles had been raked
into heaps, and the work of destruction left to the birds and the sun,
whilst in a third section, the doubtfully advisable method of removing
the soil- covering, as litter, pupa? and all, had been applied. The pine
trees gave the impression that one had come across a hitherto unde-
scribed deciduous species, so completely were they stripped of needles.
Not inconsiderable numbers of Sphinx pinastri pupae were also to
be found, usually two close together under each tree. No Panolis
piniperda pupae could be discovered, although this species is some-
times abundant enough to be a pest in the district.
It occurred to me that it might be interesting to breed a few
imagines of the Bupalus to observe their habits, pairing, oviposi-
tion, &c, so I collected a number of pupae at random and brought
them back to Oxford with me. The first thing I noticed was that it
was not so easy to " sex " the pupse as I expected : the width of the
portion of pupal skin which covers the antennae being practically
identical (0016 in. half way down) in $ and $ , and the difference in
the transverse grooves marking the joints was by no means striking.
Of the 53 pupae collected, 44 were productive, giving, between April
28th and May 18th, 22 $ <$ and 22 $ $ , the former emerging, as usual,
earlier than the latter (e. g., on May 3rd, the total was 18 <$ $ and
5 ? ?). With two exceptions, the failures were attributable to a
Tachinid fly, kindly named for me by Mr. Wainwright as Carcelia excisa,
Fall., whose larvae had apparently made their way out of the pupal
case of their hosts, one or two from each, and themselves pupated in
the mould. The flies emerged between May 20th and June 2nd, nine
of them in all. Two <$ specimens of an ichneumon kindly named as
1914]. 201
Cratichneiimon dissimilis, Grav., for me by Mr. Claude Morley, were
bred on May 1st.
Practically all the B. piniarius emerged between about 6 and
8 a.m. ; in a quarter of an hour, the wings had doubled in size, and
were held more or less vertically ; in another quarter of an hour, they
were full- sized, and in an hour from emergence, normal in appearance.
Fourteen of the ? ? were kept under as close observation as time
would allow. In most cases g $ of known ages were confined with
the $ $ , the pairs being in boxes of various kinds, and their behaviour
watched before, during, and after pairing, and the hour and duration
of the latter, as well as the details of oviposition noted.
In one case only of those watched did copulation take place
during the first night after emergence, nor was this the case, so far as
1 know, in any of the remainder. During the first evening and the
next day the as yet unfertilised $ was often observed apparently to
go through the motions of oviposition, feeling the underside of a
pine needle with the extended tip of the abdomen. It seems probable
that these movements sexually excite the $ , as although he may have
already been clambering about over the $ without paying her the
slightest attention, in three of the four cases of copulation actually
seen, the ? had immediately before, been acting in this manner. At
other times, the <$ was observed attempting to find the tip of the
abdomen of the ? with his own, opening and shutting the anal
claspers, but either the $ fluttered away, or the <$ fell away and
almost at once gave up the attempt to find his partner.
Insufficient data were collected to show whether the absence of
pairing on the first night was due to immaturity of either sex, but in
the one case under accurate observation, and one other, where it did
take place, the <$ was several (4) days older than the ? . In one ex-
periment, copulation took place at 0.30 p.m., but between 10.0 p.m. and
2 a.m. was the usual time. The immediate indifference of the <$ once
in copula to the otherwise very powerful stimulus of light was very
noticeable.
The recorded times <$ and $ remained in copula were 3£, 3|, 3|,
and between 3 and 4 hours respectively. One pair were more or less
forcibly persuaded to separate after 20 mins. to see the resultant effect
on the fertility of the ? (c/. infra) .
The shortest time from the beginning of copulation to the laying
of the first egg was &\ hours or 2f hours after the separation of the
202 [August,
$ , the time of the day not seeming to have any effect. The size or
material of the box did not seem to make much difference — all were
kept equally damp— but the absence of pine-needles caused a length-
ening of the period to some 40 hours.
The species is apparently strictly monogamic : owing to the fact
that the observations were only begun after most of the $ £ had
emerged, none of this sex were to hand for the later of the ? $ , and
so those g <$ which had paired in the first few experiments, were put
to these $ $ , and in no case did copulation occur. Similarly, neither
the $ nor the $ of the pair separated after 20 mins. paired again.
After the ? has remained virgin for a couple of weeks, she seems to
lose her attraction for the opposite sex ; at least, after this time no
pairing occurred, though fresh J1 <$ were confined with three such till
their death.
Oviposition was watched on several occasions ; the $ sits on a
needle and bends the tip of the abdomen round to the underside of it,
and after the site chosen and the side of the last deposited egg, if a
row is being laid, has been smeared with some adhesive secretion, the
ovum is passed quickly down the semi-transparent ovipositor on to the
needle. At first they are deposited in rapid succession, e.g., a row of
eight in 4 minutes 25 sees, (intervals of 45, 30, 25, 45, 30, 45, and
45 sees.). The maximum number thus laid in a row was 18 (the
maximum altogether on a single needle being 28), but the average
about 6, single ova being the exception ; the great majority were laid
on the flat (upper) face of the needle. The last few ova were often
laid irregularly, e.g., on top of a previous row or on the side of a
needle : the whole period was 4-8 days, after which the $ weakened
and died, but I do not think that in all cases the full number of ova
were laid. The totals obtained in five experiments were 208, 146, 127,
143 and 106, giving an average of 146. Only 72 ova were laid on the
sides of the box by the $ not pi'ovided with a pine shoot.
Out of 714 ova, 646 were fertile — a little over 90 %, though
nearly another 10 °/0 (nearly all of them in the same batch) of the
larvse failed to emerge successfully, dying apparently from desicca-
tion after the exit hole had been made ; in two experiments, all the
ova were fertile. The unfertile ova are easily recognised, as they
remain green and eventually " cave in."
The development of the larva can be readily seen through the
thin translucent chorion, the six ocelli on each side being easily
distinguishable. A large hole is eaten through the shell by the young
191*0 203
larva, and after a short rest it creeps out some 22-28 days after the
ovum was laid ; no more of the shell is eaten after emergence. The
hole is always, as one might expect, lateral, and always near, but not
at, one end of the longer axis (so as to clear the next ovum) , but in a
row of ova the holes are not all on the same side, although invariably
at the same end — one would like to work out the reason for this.
Of two of the non-fertilised £ $ of four experiments, two laid
9 and 2 ova respectively after 11 and 17 days — no larvae of course
resulting ; the other two died after 20 days without ovipositing at all.
The above-mentioned $ which was in cop. a short time only, laid
1 7 ova more or less irregularly on the needles, the first 48 hours after
pairing ; all were sterile.
Unfortunately, time has not permitted a study of the habits and
development of the larva, beyond the noting of the characteristic
mode of eating and the marked preference for the needles of the
previous year. The protective resemblance of the larva to the foliage
of the pine, especially to the young needles, is very marked.
New College, Oxford :
July 2nd, 1914.
Bledius bernhaueri, Cam. ; change of name. — In the volume of this Maga-
zine for 1912 (Vol. XLVIII, p. 28) I described a new species of Bledius under
this name. Dr Bergroth has pointed out that the name is pre-occupied since
1909 by a species described by Poppius from Northern Russia, which is, how-
ever, omitted from the latest catalogue. I propose that my species should bear
the trivial name of renominatus — M. Cameron, H. M.S. "Cornwall," Training
Squadron : July 13th, 1914.
A further note on Mysia oblong o-guttata, L., ab. nigroguttata, Dollman. —
I, too, beat an example of this aberration off a young pine at Woking this year.
My specimen is quite mature. In addition to having the usual white blotches
on the elytra, it possesses the dark brown spots described by Dollman, each of
which is surrounded by a narrow pale zone, I was struck, on comparing it
with Mr. Dollman's figure (Ent. Rec. XXIV, plate II) by its perfect agreement
with the latter. The shape of the brown spots is exactly the same, and they
are produced by a deposit of pigment. I cannot, therefore, agree with
Mr. Champion (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1914, p. 176), when he believes that this aberra-
tion is caused merely by immaturity, i.e., by the non-development of the
normal white, instead of the presence of a brown pigment. I am inclined to
R 2
204 [August,
think that we are here dealing with a distinct fixed variety rather than with
an aberration, since it must surely be more than a mere coincidence that the
only two mature specimens in existence agree perfectly in their markings.
I may take this opportunity to mention that, among the numerous examples
of Exochomus 4?-pustulatus, L., that I saw at the same time, there was a specimen
of the ab. koltzei, Weise, in which the red spots on the elytra are enlarged, and
broadly confluent. According to Ganglbauer (Die Kafer von Mitteleuropa,
Vol. Ill, p. 985) this aberration is found in Dalmatia and Greece. It has
not, hitherto, been recorded from Britain. — G. W. Nicholson, 10, Devonshire
Place, W. : July 2nd, 1914.
Coleoptera in the Plymouth district.- The following species have been taken
by me on the dates given, and under the conditions noted with each, viz. : —
*Anchomenus thoreyi, Dej., one, v.14, Par Marsh, Cornwall. Laccobius
minutus, L., one, v.ll ; and L. regularis, Eey, 11, viii.ll, in rivulets on the moor
near Shaugh. Ochthebius poweri, Eye, vii.ll, one in a fresh water trickle on the
rocks at Bovisand. Careful search at the time of capture, and several hunts
later in the autumn, as well as in the following spring, were all fruitless.
Oxypoda spectabilis, Maerk, v.ll, one by sweeping, Avonwick. Calodera xthiops,
Grav., two, viii.13, dried pond, Plym Bridge. *Homalota eichoffi, Scriba, v.10,
one on wall at Lipson {teste Herr Bernhauer per Dr. Cameron). H. luteipes,
Er., vi.ll, one, flood rubbish, Bere Ferrers. H. debilis, Er., iii.12, one, roots of
rushes, Yelverton. H. ignobilis, Shp., iii.12, one in sugar trap, Ivybridge (teste
Dr. Cameron). H. humeralis, Kr., vii.ll, one, Bittaford ; also at Bere Ferrers
and Yelverton, v.08 ; Brent, 1899. H. orbata, Er., v.ll, one at roots, Burrow
Island (teste Dr. Cameron). Phytosus spinifer, Curt., vii.ll, one at Bovisand.
Heterothops prsevia, Er., iv.13, one, Slapton Lea. Philonthus fumigatus, Er.,
x.14, one, cut grass, Yelverton. *P. nigrita, Nord., v. 14, one, Par Marsh, Corn-
wall. Swiius ftliformis, Latr., v.ll, two, Bigbury Bay. Sterius melanarius,
Steph., vi.ll, one in moss, Bere Ferrers. Tvogophlceus fuliginosus, Grav., one,
vii.ll, Lipson Marsh (now filled up for town improvements !) ; and one, vi.13, at
Plym Bridge in dried pond. Coryphium angusticolle, Steph., x.14, six out of
three old nests of thrushes, Yelverton. Homalium allardi, Fairm., vii.ll, two
in seaweed, Bovisand (teste Herr Bernhauer per Dr. Cameron). *Bryaxis
waterhousei, Rye, x.12, Cargreen, Cornwall, two in rubbish on the shore.
*Cathartus advena, Waltl, one from damaged cattle food, lying at Duke's Dock,
Plymouth. *Enicmus testaceus, Steph., 20, and Aspidiphorus orbicularis, Gyll.,
viii.13, in numbers from a black powdery fungus (Stemonitis fusca, Roth. —
kindly named for me by Miss L. M. Berry) on a fallen beech tree, Plym Bridge.
Dasytes serosus, Kies., v.ll, two from hawthorn blossom, Saltram. Dryophilus
pusillus, Gyll., vi.13, two by sweeping, Plym Bridge. *Sphindus dubius, Gyll.,
viii.13, one on fallen beech, Plym Bridge. *Dorytomus costirostris, Gyll., vi.14,
in quantity on aspen, Yelverton.
The species not previously recorded for the county marked with an asterisk.*
—James H. Keys, 7, Whimple Street, Plymouth : July 2nd, 1914.
mi*.] 205
Notes on the breeding of Cateremna terebrella, Zlc., and Retinia resinella, L.
— Last Easter I collected, near Salniiinster, S. Prussia, a number of the full-
sized resin cocoons of Reti7iia resinella, L., which were not uncommon on the
Scots Pine, isolated trees between the ages of 10-30 years being most prolific.
I brought them back with me to Oxford, and from the 34 bred out only 8
specimens of the Tortricid between May 7th and 23rd (though 11 dead pupse
were afterwards found to be present), but quite a number of other insects.
Several Ernobius mollis, L. (Coleop.), walked up out of the twigs or cocoons
after I had had them a fortnight, and likewise an undetermined Cecidomyid in
some numbers, the empty white pupa skins being found loose in the box after-
wards, and finally 5 $ $ and 15 ? ? of a Braconid, identified for me by
Mr. Claude Morley as Macrocentrus abdomxnalis, Fab., emerged between June 3rd
and 20th, just four weeks after the Retinia.
During the same visit I collected about 40 dwarfed spruce-cones from the
ground in a " stand" at Bad-Soden, containing larvae of Cateremna terebrella. The
first thing that emerged, about a dozen of it in all, was a small as yet
undetermined Dipteron, and shortly after (April 28th), a <J Caccecia musculana,
Hb., whilst the first Cateremna, a $ , emerged on May 20th, and others making
a total of 6 $ $ and 2 $ <j> appeared up to June 3rd. The cones contained
some 8 or 10 full-grown larvae and nymphs of a species of Rhaphidia which
safely completed their metamorphoses ; these were probably responsible for the
small yield of the Lepidopteron ! A single specimen of the Braconid, Phane-
rotoma planifrons, Nees, $ , was also bred. On opening the cones last week, I
found one of them still to contain afull-giwvn healthy larva. H. G. Champion,
Heatherside, Horsell, Woking : July 10th, 1914.
Earwigs at " sugar." — I did not commence sugaring for moths until about
the middle of June this year. As a rule I am (like most other collectors)
pestered with large members of the common earwig (Forficula auricularia) at
my sugar, and this year has been no exception to the rule, with this difference
that instead of fully grown specimens enormous members of very young ones
from one-third to half-grown have appeared, with only about one in a hundred
fully grown. What can be the reason, and has the dry weather in May and
early June had anything to do with the disappearance of the matured specimens ?
— J. Gardner, Laurel Lodge, Hart : July 8th, 1914.
A note on Psylla hippophaes, Forst. — Mr. Edwards records but two localities
for this Homopteron in Britain in 1896, and I have seen no further notices of
it ; these are Deal, whence it was introduced as British by Scott in 1876, and
Winterton on the east Norfolk coast, where I also have collected, but failed to
discover the present species, for which I was not especially looking at that time.
It is found exclusively upon the Sea Buckthorn {Hippophae rhamnoides), the
rarity of which is evidenced by its record from only seven of the hundred and
twelve divisions into which Britain is divided in the London Catalogue of
plants ; the Psylla is consequently equally or more local, though probably
common wherever its pabulum occurs.
200 tAugust,
Mr. E. A. Elliott and I found both plant and insect common upon the
Lincolnshire coast at Skegness during June 1912.
In Suffolk the Sea Buckthorn has been recorded from two localities only •
in sandy lanes between Shottisham and Sutton Heath (five miles from the sea
and three from the River Deben) and at Thorpe (a mile or so to the north of
Aldeburgh, on the east coast). I have searched in vain for it at the former
locality, where it may now be extinct. I have searched in vain for it at the
latter, till July 10th, 1914, when I discovered a small patch of very low bushes,
some thirty yards by less in extent ; and upon these the Psylla was at once found
to be abundant. Edwards only describes a greenish white form of this species
with pale rust-yellow markings ; this is occasionally entirely pale flavidous and
not always with rufessent markings, the elytra not infrequently have no infus-
cate tinge. But there is a very distinct form (doubtless of the same species),
occurring in both sexes, which is pale brick-red throughout with pure white
pronotum, scutellum, &c. ; the abdomen banded above with piceous or black ;
the occiput and more of the fiagellum black ; and the anterior femora inf uscate
above ; it is a larger and stouter form than the viri descent one, with the elytra
strongly infuscate towards their apices. Of those I captured only one-fith
belonged to this darker form, which I here name var. suffolciensis.
The Psylla associated here with few other insects, the majority of which
doubtless came from the rough heath grasses and Ononis reclinaia, among which
its pabulum was considerably intermingled and partly hidden. The only ones
seen in the course of a somewhat thorough search were Macrotylus paykulli,
Fall, (abundant), Dicyphus annulatus, Wolff, Stiroma affinis, Fieb., RMzobius
litura, Fab., Agelastica halensis, L., Sapromyza lupulina, Fab., Lasius niger, var.
alienus, Forst., and among marram grass on the surrounding sandhills, Pompilus
plumbeus, Fab. I shall be delighted to give the Psylla to any one whose series
is not full of it. — Claude Morlet, Monk Soham House, Suffolk : July lHth
1914.
Societies.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society ;
Thursday, May 28th, 1914.— Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. Buckstone, 1 $ and 3 <j> hybrids of the cross Nyssia zonaria $ and
Apocheima hispidaria $ . The larvae were very like those of the latter species
and were constitutionally weak, only four imagines resulting from some 300
fertile ova. Mr. West (Greenwich), a specimen of the extremely rare Hemi-
pteron, Pygolampis bidentata, taken by him in the New Forest in May. Only
one specimen had previously been captured in Britain. Mr. Newman, a living
pupa of Strymon pruni, which closely resembles bird's excrement. Mr. Oahan,
examples of a mealy-bug, both sexes of which had occurred two years running
on flowering currant in his garden at Bedford Park. It was supposed to be
i9H.] 207
Pseudococcus citri, a hot-house species. Mr. K. Gr. Blair read a paper on " Lumi-
nous Insects," many examples of which were exhibited by himself, Messrs,
Main, Edwards, and H. Moore.
April 9th. — -Correction, p. 158, line 10, for Lita melanella read Lita
leucomelanella.
Thursday, June 11th, 1914. — The President in the Chair.
Mr. Dunster exhibited a short series of blue females of Polyommatus icarus
from Horsley. Mr. Edwards, butterflies from Costa Bica, New Granada, and
Borneo. Mr. W. West, the various species of Coleoptera taken by himself in
the New Forest in mid-May, mainly from hawthorn blossom. Mr. Curwen,
about a dozen species with various forms of Anthroceridse (Zygsenidse) taken by
him in numerous holidays on the Continent. Mr. Turner communicated a note
on the species of mite, (Acarus) Teti-anychus lintearius, which had recently
been exhibited as causing devastation among gorse-bushes.
Thursday, June 2oth, 1914.- Mr. E. Step, F.L.S., in the Chair.
Messrs. Blair and Main exhibited a number of interesting items collected
by them during a recent holiday around Meiringen and Lugano, including
(1) Living larvae of Crioceris sp. on Black Byrony (Tamus communis) ; (2)
Polistes gallica (living) on its nest; (3) Living glowworms, Lampyris noctiluca;
(4) Living fireflies (Luciola italica) which were " flashing " ; (5) A field cricket
found by Mr. Ashdown ; (6) A series of Cetonia stictica ; (7) Specimens of
Gnophos glaucinaria with ova, etc. Mr. Coulson, a long series of many degrees
of blue coloration of the females of Polyommatus icarus from Horsley and
several Ccenonympha pamphilus, one having a bipupillate apical spot and
another with three well-developed eye-spots on the hindwings above. — Hy. J.
Turner, Hon. Secretary.
HELP-NOTES TOWAEDS THE DETEEMINATION OF BEITISH
TENTHREDINIDM. &c. (33).
BY THE REV. F. D. MORICE, M.A., F.E.S.
TENTHREDOPSIS, Costa. $ $ .
Fate has been very unkind to me in the matter of Tenthredopsis !
Two years ago I arrived at that genus in these papers, and had to own
myself incapable of tabulating it, though I ventured to give a list of
the named varieties of one species, which afterwards had to be with-
drawn and rewritten. Then, in 1913, Dr. Enslin granted me the
privilege of reading in advance his own important and original treat-
ment of the genus then in the press ; and I prepared at once a paper,
necessarily of greater length than usual, and written with special care
(which, as it turned out, was superfluous), to use Dr. Enslin's kind-
208 [August, 19U.
ness without abusing it, and especially not to anticipate improperly in
a paper, which, as I supposed, would appear before his work appeared,
the terminology and nomenclature to be introduced into the latter.
However, owing to causes over which I had no control, no part of my
paper appeared till Dr. Enslin's work was already published ; and, as
I had feared from the first, the paper — which, unless read as a whole,
was bound to be almost unintelligible — could not be published as a
whole, and had to appear in fragments (disjecta membra) scattered
through several numbers (and not even consecutive numbers) of
Ent. Mo. Mag. (February, March, and June, 1914). Also the Index
on the cover of the June number made it appear that these " Help-
Notes "as a whole were now " concluded " ; and this has brought me
letters from several readers of my papers, to which I must now reply
by explaining that such is not the case ! I have still to tabulate as
best I can the <$ g of British Tenthredopsis ; and further, since I
commenced the " Help-Notes " in January, 1903, many things have
happened to make at least the earlier papers of that series more or
less obsolete. The classifications and terminologies introduced by
Konow, which I then thought it wisest to adopt with a minimum of
discussion, have since been reconsidered by himself and others, and no
longer represent (as they then did) the latest views of hymenopter-
ological experts. Mr. Eohwer (followed at present, though unwillingly,
by Dr. Enslin in his Revision of Central European Tenthredinoidea)
has proposed a number of reforms in the hitherto generally accepted
nomenclature, some of which, I believe, will have to be adopted,
though as to others I think he is mistaken, and shall shortly be
discussing the subject elsewhere, viz., in the Transactions of Ent. Soc.
Lond. Also, since January, 1903, I have become acquainted with
several forms not then known to me as British — species, sexes of
species, and even genera ! And, though I have alluded to these in
" Help-Notes " from time to time as they came to my knowledge, the
allusions are at present scattered, and must be brought together in
some way — indeed it will probably be desirable to re- write some of my
original synopses in order to include the forms at present omitted
from them.
Evidently, then, here is material for at least two or three more
instalments of " Help-Notes," before I can write " concluded" to the
series, and lay down my pen.
Perhaps I may here make a petition, viz., that correspondents
who have sent to me specimens which I have returned to them as not
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September, 1914J 209
known to me previously from Britain (e.g., the <$ of Abia fasciata,
either sex of Lophyrus virens, etc., etc.,) would kindly remind me of
the fact on a postcard. It might help me, in some cases, to see these
specimens once more, before adding them to my revised Tabulations ;
and in all eases I should be glad to have the records (date and place
of capture, etc.).
I have promised to tabulate, as best I can, such <$ £ of British
Tenthredopsis spp. as are known to me. But I must begin by saying
that, in my opinion, any such tabulation can only be provisional.
Some of the forms, though I believe them to belong to distinct species,
I am as yet quite unable to separate on any characters which I can
believe to be specific. Nor, though I have placed them in my collection
under certain names along with similarly named ? $ which I suspect
to be their mates, is it possible for me to feel in the least sure either
that they belong to such $ ? , or that they have any real right to the
names by which at present I know them, or that (even if they have
such a right) they have not also some earlier name, which, according
to the law of pi-iority, ought rather to be applied to them. I have
recently had cause to consider seriously the grounds on which certain
old names of 18th century authors have been thought to denote this
or that of our present species. The result is almost always the same.
The description turns out to be based, either certainly, or at least most
probably, on a mere "mix-up" of superficially similar, but really quite
different insects — often not even members of the same genus ! My
personal inclination would be to treat such so-called species, and the
names given to them, as having no status in scientific nomenclature at
all, and as comparable to the griffins, centaurs, and such like composite
monsters of antiquity But this is not the view now taken by those
best qualified to decide such matters. It seems to be generally admitted
that, when once a name has been introduced into zoological literature
to denote a certain group of individuals (or of species, or of genera,
etc., etc.), that name (unless previously introduced with another mean-
ing, or superfluous as a mere re-naming of something properly named
already*) , must for ever be retained to designate at least some part of the
group to which it was originally applied. Thus supposing Linne, let
us say, to have introduced some new name, e <t., rubripes, for some pre-
viously nameless group of individuals which he considered to form one
species, then — even though we now know that the old author was mis-
taken, and have to break his species up — we must still keep the name
* In the former case it is called a Homonym, in the latter a Synonym.
210 [September,
once given for some part of the so-called " species," and are not allowed
to discard it altogether. Suppose even that this rubripes is to us a
mere mystery, that we can see no reason why any at all of the forms
known to us should or should not be supposed to have been included
in it, still we ai-e not allowed to drop the name ; somebody before us is
almost sure to have applied it to some form which is known to us, and
unless we can absolutely prove that he was mistaken, we are apparently
bound to follow him — or, if we can prove this, which is seldom likely
to be the case, still there must remain some species called rubripes, L.,
and it is for us to decide, as best we can, what form shall bear that
name, and be supposed to be the rubripes of Linne.
SYNOPSIS OF BEITISH TENTHREDOPSIS, $ $ .
1. Apical margin of clypeus deeply excised in the middle. Ground colour
black, but -with the intermediate segments of the abdomen widely red
laterally and copious pictura albida on head and thorax. Tegulse and
edges of pronotum white. Hind-wings as in all our $ $ of this genus
{vide infra) except that of coquebertii excisa, Th.
— Apical margin of clypeus sub-truncate, or very gently sinuated inwards
throughout, with no definite excision 2.
2. Wings with " continuous external neuration," vide Ent. Mo. Mag., March,
1903, p. 53 3.
— "Wings without " continuous external neuration." Body, except its pic-
tura albida, may be entirely black, but more often with the abdomen
almost entirely red (beyond the propodeum), Tegulse and edge of
pronotum dusk}', never white or yellow coquebertii, Kl.
3. Black, or red and black (not yellow) forms. In all British specimens ex-
amined by me, the thorax beneath (breast, pleurae, &c.) is entirely
black 5.
— The general coloration is yellowish, marked above more or less (but only in
certain limited areas) with black. The breast, pleura?, &c, are
normally (? always) pale and immaculate. Larger insects than those
of our other sections ; may be as much as 12 mm. long ! 4.
4. The apex of the last visible ventral-plate is distinctly sinuated inwards
(Konow says, " semicirculariter," but this must not be taken too
literally, Enslin's " viertelkreisformig " is nearer to the truth !) The
last visible dorsal segment has a well-marked D -shaped impression
before its apex, and this impression (at its apex only) is imperfectly
chitinized (membranaceous). The general ground-colour is orange,
with copious pictura of a paler tint on head, thorax, and propodeum.
A patch of black occupies the whole ocellar region and extends beyond
it, and there are other black markings (more or less variable) on the
thorax and abdomen above, some of them, mere streaks, hardly to be
1914.] 211
noticed till one looks for them ! Antennae long, slender, and yellowish.
(The genitalia of this species seem to present good characters, which
can often be seen even without dissection ; e.g., the so-called sagittm
end in long curved and pointed processes (spiniform) which, as well as
the broadly-rounded laciniae of the stipites, frequently project beyond
the apex of the abdomen) litterata, Geoffr.
— Last ventral segment (teste Enslin !) distinctly excised at the apex, but not
widely emarginate, as in litterata • apart from this excision it is said to
be " narrowly rounded."
Otherwise usually very like litterata, but seems to be more variable in
colour. I am not stire that I have ever seen a British $ of this species.
Foreign specimens, which I take to be nassata, differ from litterata in
the genitalia, and also in having a great part of the impression on the
last dorsal abdom. segment semi-transparent and membranous (not,
like litterata, its extreme apex only !) nassata, L.
(Note. — I feel no doubt whatever that the nassata of Linne really included
all yellow forms of Tenthredopsis. These, however, are not all conspecific j so
Linne's name had to be restricted, and is restricted here, as by Konow, Enslin,
and most recent authors).
5. Teguhe black 9.
— Tegulse white, yellow, or pale brown (in one species distinctly dusky, as
compared with the paler margin of the pronotum, not however really
black.) 6.
6. A large form, with little red on the abdomen, but copious yellow pictura on
head, thorax, and propodeum (about 11 mm. long.).
Konow referred this insect (taken at Effingham, Surrey) to tilise, Pz., which,
according to Enslin, cannot be separated from nassata, and shoidd therefore (I
suppose) have the $ thorax pale beneath. In my insect this is not so ; the
pleurae and breast are quite black.
I am inclined on the whole (though doubtfully) to consider this as the
<J of austriaca, Knw.
— Smaller species, 9 to 10 mm. long 7.
7. Middle lobes of the mesonotum each marked in its inner (or posterior) angle
with a white fleck. (This, however, is a character which must surely
vary ! though I can give no better one).
A pretty species with bright lacteous (almost white) pictura, very highly
developed on head, thorax and propodeum. The extent of red on the abdomen
seems to vary. All my specimens are from Scotland, where it has been taken by
Mr. H. Scott and Mr. Donisthorpe. The broad yellowish band on the propodeum
is rather a striking character in all my specimens, but I have too few of them
to be sure that it is constant ? flavomaculata, Cam.
— Mesonotum immaculate 8.
3 2
212 [September,
8. Tegulse and edge of pronotum quite concolorcms, yellowish. Apart from
pictura albida its coloration is generally dark, the abdomen with less
red than in the species following ? inornata, Cam.
— Tegulse at least darker than the edge of the pronotum. Abdomen mostly
red. Head as viewed from above " narrowed behind the eyes "...
?palmata, Geoffr. (sec. Enslin).
Note. — Dr. Enslin reckons palmata (= campestris, Knw., nee L. !) among
the species with black tegulse, but in my specimens, many of which were named
by Konow, I can find none with really black tegulse, and I doubt whether they
are ever so in this country, though Cameron says of " scutellaris, Pz." (by which
name, wrongly in my opinion, he calls this species) , " tegulse pale, rarely black."
[What Panzer figures as " scutellaris " appears to me to be a much larger
and more striking species, viz., stigma, F. I have never seen any British
Tenthredopsis which I could identify with Panzer's figure.]
9. " Vertex divided by a fine line. 8th dorsal plate of abdomen not
membranous in the middle." (I quote these characters from Konow
and Enslin, but in all my specimens named thornleyi by Konow the
middle of the 8th dorsal plate is most distinctly membranous !) Thorax
black entirely except the scutellum thornleyi, Knw. (det. ipse!).
— " Vertex divided by a deep furrow. 8th dorsal place paler in the middle,
almost membranous. Edge of pronotum often white." (Enslin.)...
spreta, Lep. (det. Knw. !)
Note. — I am quite unable myself to separate on these, or indeed on any
characters, the specimens named for me by Konow some as spreta, some as
thornleyi !
The 6* 6" of elcgans and gibberosa are placed by Dr. Enslin among forms
with dark tegulse. I have no British specimens of either, and what Konow
sent me as " gibberosa $ " has the tegulee white ! The best distinction between
gibberosa and palmata seems to be the outline of the head as viewed from above
(subquadrate in the former, narrowed behind the eyes in the latter).
Another form said by Dr. Enslin to have black tegulse is fenestrata, Konow.
I have a Scotch 3 from Mr. Dalgleish, which was named by Konow "fenestrata,"
but its tegulse are certainly pale, and I cannot at present distinguish it from
fiavomaculata, Cam.
Except excisa, coquebertii, and litterata, I cannot myself name any British
Tenthredopsis 3 3 with confidence ; and I only hope that I am not making
confusion worse confounded by attempting to tabulate at all our other species !
(To be continued).
1914.] 213
ON DORTTOMUS MACULATUS, Marsh. { = TMNIATUS, Fab.), AND
B. COSTIROSTRIS, Gyll. (DEJEANI, Faust).
OF BRITISH COLLECTIONS.
BY E. A. NEWBEET.
A great deal of confusion seems to prevail concerning these two
species. This is no doubt partly owing to Fowler (Col. Brit. Isl.
V, 277) having stated that he preferred " to follow Bedel in keeping
them together." Bedel does nothing of the kind. Faust, who mono-
graphed the genus in 1882 (Bull. Soc. Imp. Nat. Moscou, pp. 386,
424), re-named costirostris, Gyll., calling it dejeani, and Bedel makes
use of this name. It is probable that this change was the cause of
the species being overlooked by Fowler, since Bedel (Fn. Seine, VI,
119) separates the two as good species, thus : —
Second joint of funiculus at least twice as long as broad ; length 4 — 5 mm....
dejeani, Faust.
Second joint of funiculus scarcely longer than broad ; length 3—4 mm....
txniatus, Fab.
Although it is rather an exaggeration to say that the second
joint of the funiculus is scarcely longer than broad, still the difference
between the two is well marked, the shape of this joint is also much
more linear in dejeani, somewhat pear-shaped in maculatus.
D. silbermanni, Wenck., seems to have no marked characters to
separate it from maculatus, Marsh., which is a variable insect, both in
size and colour. Fowler separates it as a variety, chiefly by size, and
Stierlin by its shorter and stronger legs. Bedel and the last (1906)
European Catalogue treat it as a synonym of tseniatus, Fab. ( =
maculatus, Marsh.).
Dorytomus dejeani appears to feed solely on the aspen (Populus
tremula). It has been recently taken in some numbers by Mr. J.
H. Keys, in his garden at Yelverton, Devon.
13, Oppidans Road, N.W. :
August 13th, 1914.
(At Cothill, Berks, D. dejeani is usually abundant in early
summer on a few small trees of Populus canescens, Sin., in company with
D. tortrix (plentiful), tremulse (sparingly), Bhytidosomus, and other
poplar-frequenting beetles. D. maculatus occurs freely on adjacent
sallow bushes, but it is very rarely to be found on the poplars. — J. J.W.)
214 [September,
COLEOPTERA AT CLOGHANE, Co. KEEEY.
BY J. E. LE B. TOMLIN, M.A., F.E.S., AND N. H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.E.S.
The following is a list of 343 species taken in spring during a
short visit to an out-of-the-way corner of co. Kerry.
Cloghane is a small village on the north coast of the Dingle penin-
sula, some 9 or 10 miles to the west of Castlegregory, and lying at the
foot of Brandon Mountain (3127 feel) which slopes right down to the
sea. We did not find by any means all the usual mountain species on
Brandon ; in fact, beetles were, with a few exceptions, remarkably
scarce right up to the top, but this was doubtless due to the time of
year. It was interesting to find the London Pride (Saxifraga umbrosa)
growing wild on the top of Brandon. The south-west of Ireland is its
only foothold in the British Isles, and it is often locally dubbed
St. Patrick's Cabbage.
Some very large rock pools 1500 ft. up failed to produce anything
in the way of insects owing to the apparent total absence of vegetation.
They were tenanted, however, by enormous numbers of the little fresh-
water limpet Ancylus fluviatilis, L., adhering to the bare rocky sides,
and feeding no doubt on microscopic algae. They all had remarkably
thin transparent shells, probably due to a lack of lime.
A considerable part of the coast-line between Cloghane and
Castlegregory consists of sandhills with a lot of marshy ground behind,
and it was under stones in this marshy ground that Micropephis
cselatus, Er., a species new to Britain, occurred in 1909 (see
Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XLV, p. 149).
The following species and varieties are additions to Johnson
and Halbert's " List of the Beetles of Ireland " (Proc. Roy. Irish
Academy, 3rd series, vol. VI, No. 4, 1902) : —
Pterostichus cupreus var. affinis, Stm.
Hydroporus melanarius, Stm.
Ochthebius viridis, Peyr. Taken in the marshy ground mentioned above.
Mycetoporus longicornis, Kr.
Homalota malleus, Joy.
Philonthus keysianus, Sharp.
Homalium rugulipenne, Eye.
Hister bissexstriatus, F.
Coccinella 11-punctata var. brevifasciata, Weise. This variety is common in
Ireland. "We have notes of its occurrence also at Eoundstone, Dog's Bay, Port
Ballintrae, and Ballycastle, co. Antrim, in each case commonly.
1914.] 215
Micropeplus cselatus, Er.
Cryptophagus pallidus, Stm., in rubbish on the sandhills. We have it also
from Athenry, co. Galway.
Longitarsus gracilis var. poweri, All. With the type on Senecio jacobxa.
For convenience of reference we follow the order and nomencla-
ture of Johnson and Halbert's List.
Cicindela campestris, L. ; Cychrus rostratus, L. ; Carabus catenulatus, Scop. ;
C. clathratus, L., not uncommon tinder stones on the top of turf walls ; C.
granulatus, L. ; Notiophilusbiguttatus, F. ; N. aquaticus, L. ; N. palustris, Dufts. ;
Leistus fulvibarbis, Dej. ; L. rufescens, F. ; Nebria brevicollis, F. ; N. gyllenhali,
Sch. ; Elaphrus cupreus, Dufts. ; E. riparius, L. ; Loricera pilicornis, F. ; Clivina
fossor, L. ; Dyschirius globosus, Hbst. ; Broscus cephalotes, L. ; Badister bipustu-
latus, F., Irish examples seem as a rule to be much darker than English ;
Bradycellus distinctus, Dej. ; B. verbasci, Dufts. ; Harpalus ruficornis, F. ; H. latus,
L. ; H. tardus, Pz. ; H. anxius, Dufts. ; Anisodactylus binotatus, F., var. spurcati-
cornis, Dej., rather common under rubbish on the sandhills, the type did not
occur ; Pterostichus cupreus, L., and var. aflinis, Stm. ; P. versicolor, Stm. ; P. ma-
didus, F. ; P, niger, Sch. ; P. vulgaris, L. ; P. nigrita, F. ; P. gracilis, Dej. ; P.
minor, Gyll. ; P. strenuus, Pz. ; P. diligens, Stm. ; P. vernalis, Gyll. ; P. striola, F. ;
^tniara spinipes, L. ; A fibiaZis, Pk. ; .4. trivialis, Gyll.; A communis, Pz. ;
Calathus cisteloides, Pz. ; C. mollis, Marsh. ; C. melanocephalus, L. ; Anchomenus
angusticollis,¥.; A. dorsalis, Mull. ; 4. albipes, F. ; J., marginatus, L. ; -4.parutu-
pwnciaius, F. ; J., atratus, Dufts. ; A. viduus, Pz. ; J., fuliginosus, Pz. ; .4. gracilis,
Gyll. ; J., piceus, L. ; Olisthopus rotundatus, Pk. ; Cillenus lateralis, Sam., locally
common on the shore ; Bembidium rufescens, Guer. ; B. mannerheimi, Sahib. ; B.
lampros, Hbst. ; B. tibiale, Dufts. ; B. atrocseruleum, Steph. ; B. decorum, Pz. ;
B. littorale, 01. ; B. punctulatum, Drap. ; Trechus minutus, F. ; T. obtusus, Er. ;
Patrobus assimilis, Chaud. ; Dromius linearis, 01. ; Metabletus foveola, Gyll.
Haliplus ruficollis, De G. ; H. jiuviatilis, Aube ; Laccophilus obscurus, Pz. ;
Ccelambus insequalis, F. ; C. impressopunctatus, Sch. ; Hydroporus lepidus, 01. ;
H. palustris, L. ; H. incognitus, Sharp ; H. memnonius, Nic. ; H. melanarius, Stm.,
on Brandon Mountain ; H. nigrita, F. j U. discretus, Fairm. ; H. pubescens, Gyll. ;
H. lituratus, F. ; Agabus bipustulatus, 01. ; A. sturmi, Gyll. ; A. biguttatus, 01. ;
Ilybius fuliginosus, F. ; Colymbetes fuscus, L. ; Gyrinus natator, Scop.
Hydrobius fuscipes, L. ; Anacsena globulus, Pk. ; A. limbata, F. ; Philydrus
nigricans, Zett. ; P. melanocephalus, 01. ; Laccobius alutaceus, Thorns. ; L. mi-
nutus, L. ; Limnebius truncatellus, Thorns. ; Chmtarthria seminulum, Herbst
Helophorus seneipennis, Thorns. ; if. brevipalpis, Bed. ; Ochthebius viridis, Peyr.
0. bicolon, Germ. ; Cyclonotum orbiculare, F. ; Sphseridium scarab seoides, F.
Cercyon littoralis, Gyll. and var. binotatus, Steph. ; C. depressus, Steph.
C. hsemorrhoidalis, Herbst ; C. flavipes, F. ; C. lateralis, Marsh. ; C. melano-
cephalus, L. ; C. unipunctat'us, L. ; C. quisquilius, L. ; C. minutus, Muls. ; Me-
gasternum boletophagum, Marsh. ; Cryptopleurum atomarium, F.
Aleochara brevipennis, Gr. ; A. cuniculorum, Kr. ; A. lanuginosa, Gr. ; A. succi-
216 [September,
cola, Thorns. ; A. niticla, Gr. ; A. morion, Gr. ; A. obscurella, Er. ; Oxypoda opaca,
Gr. ; 0. umbrata, Gr. ; 0. rupicola, Rye ; 0. longiuscula, Er. ; Ocalea castanea, Er. ;
Myrmedonia collaris, Pk. ; _4sH£?ms canalicidatus, F. ; Homalota hygrotopora, Kr. ;
If. roZcms, Scr. ; H. malleus, Joy ; If. vestita, Gr. ; if. vicina, Steph. ; If. graminicola,
Gyll. ; H. halobrectha, Sharp; H.puncticeps, Thorns. ; If. circellaris, Gr. ; H.eremita,
Eye, common on Brandon Mountain ; If. analis, Gr. ; if. aquatica, Thorns. ; if. eury-
ptera, Steph. ; if. trinotata, Kr. ; if. sericea, Mills. ; if. nigra, Kr. ; if. cauta, Er. ;
if. setigera, Sharp ; if. atramentaria, Gr. ; if. longicornis, Gr. ; if. pygmsea, Gr. ;
if. fungi, Gr., and var. clientula, Er. ; Gnypeta labilis, Er. ; Tachyusa atra, Gr. ;
Xe?iusa sulcata, Kies. ; Falagria obscura, Gr. ; Phytosus balticus, Kr. ; Oligota in-
flata, Mann. ; 0. punctulata, Heer ; Myllsena minuta, Gr. ; Jf. brevicornis, Matth. ;
Hypocyptus Iseviusculus, Mann. ; Conosoma pubescens, Gr. ; C. immaculatum, Steph. ;
C. lividum, Er. ; Tachyporus obtusus, L., var. nitidicollis, Steph. ; T. solutus, Er. ;
T. pallidus, Sharp ; T. chrysomelinus, L. ; T. humerosus, Er. ; T. hypnorum, F. ;
T. pusillus, Gr. ; T. brunneus, F. ; Lamprinus saginatus, Gr., rare in nests of
Myrmica on tops of walls ; Tachinus rufipes, L. ; T. marginellus, F. ; Mycetoporus
clavicornis, Steph. ; M. splendidus, Gr. ; M. longicornis, Kr., in moss ; Quedius
einctns, Pk. ; Q. fuliginosus, Gr. ; Q. tristis, Gr. ; Q. molochinus, Gr. ; Q. mauro-
rufus, Gr. ; Q. umbrimis, Er. ; Q. rufipes, Gr. ; Q. attenuatus, Gyll. ; Q. semiseneus,
Steph. ; Q. boops, Gr. ; Creophilus maxillosus, L., and var. ciliaris, Steph., both
common in carrion on the shore ; Leistotrophus murinus, L. ; Staphylinus
pubescens, De G. ; S. erythropterus, L. ; 8. cxsareus, Ced., abundant, and often
seen on the wing ; Ocypus olens, Mull. ; 0. cupreus, Rossi ; 0. morio, Gr. ;
Philonthus intermedins, Boisd. ; P. laminatus, Cr. ; P. proximus, Kr. ; P. decorus,
Gr. ; P. politus, F. ; P. varius, Gyll. ; P. marginatus, F. ; P. fimetarius, Gr. ;
P. varians, Pk. ; P. vernaiis, Grav. ; P. ventralis, Gr. ; P. quisquiliarius, Gyll., and
var. dimidiatus., Er. ; P. nigrita, Nordm. ; P. micans, Gr. ; P. nigritulus, Gr. ; P. fcei/-
sianus, Sharp ; Cafius xantholoma,Gv. ; Xantholinus punctulatus^k.; X.ochraceus,
Gyll. ; X. linearis, 01. ; Othius fulvipennis, F. fa small form) ; 0. melanocephalus,
Gr. ; 0. myrmecophilus, Kies. ; Lathrobium boreale, Hochh. ; L. fulvipenne, Gr. ;
L. brunnipes, F. ; i. quadratum, Pk. ; L. termination v. immaculatum, Fowler ;
L. mMMipttncium, Gr. ; Cryptobium glaberrimum, Herbst; Stilicus orbiculatus,
Er. ; S. ajfinis, Er. ; Swuiits angustatus, Pk. ; Peederus fuscipes, Curt. ; Dianous
caerulescens, Gyll. ; Stenus bimaculatus, Gyll. ; S. juno, F. ; S. speculator, F. ;
S. buphthalmus, Gr. ; S. nitens, Steph. ; S. pusillus, Er. ; S. fuscipes, Gr. ; S. de-
claratus, Er. ; /S. crassus, Steph. ; S. brunnipes, Steph. ; S. ossium, Steph. ;
8. geniculatus, Gr., in moss on Brandon Mountain ; S. impresses, Germ. ; 8. fla-
vipes, Steph. ; 8. pallitarsis, Steph. ; S. nitidiusculus, Steph. ; S. picipennis, Er. ;
S. similis, Herbst ; S. paganus, Er. ; S. latifrons, Er. ; Bledius arenarius, Pk. ;
Platystethus arenarius, Fourc. ; Oxytelus rugosus, Gr. ; 0. sculpturatus, Gr. ;
0. maritimus, Thorns, and var. perrisi, Fauvel, common under seaweed ; 0. niti-
dulus, Gr. ; 0. tetracarinatus, Bl. ; Haploderus cselatus, Gr. ; Trogophlceus corti-
cinus, Gr. ; Lesteva pubescens, Mann. ; L. sicula, Er. ; L. punctata, Er. ; Acidota
crenata, F., on Brandon Mountain ; Olophrum piceum, Gyll. ; Philorhinum sor-
didum, Steph. ; Homalium rivulare, Pk. ; if. riparium, Thorns. ; H. rugulipenne,
Rye, common under seaweed ; Megarthrus depressus, Lac.
Pselaphus heisei, Herbst ; Bythinus puncticollis, Denny ; B. bulbifer, Reich. ;
1914.] 217
Bryaxis juncorum, Leach ; Scydmsenus collaris, Miil.1. ; Clambus armadillo, De G.
Agathidium laevigatum, Er. ; Necrophorus humator, F. ; Silpha rugosa, L.
S. subrotundata, Steph. ; Choleva angustata, F. ; C. agilis, 111.; C. tristis,Vz.
0. chrysomeloides, Pz. ; Hister neglectus, Germ. ; H. bissexstriatus, F., in dung on
the sandhills ; Ont hophilus striatus, F. ; Ptenidium punctatum, Gyll. ; P.nitidum,
Heer; P. evanescens, Marsh. ; Orthoperus atomus, Gyll., in rubbish on the sand-
hills ; Coccinella 11-punctata, L., and var. brevifasciata, Weise ; C. 7-punctata,
L. ; Scymnus redtenbacheri, Mids. ; Bhizobius litura, F. ; Coccidula rufa, Herbst ;
Micropeplus cselatus, Er. ; Enicmus minutus, L. ; E. transversus, 01. ; Melanoph-
thalma fuscula, Humm. ; Cryptophagus pallidus, Stm. ; Micrambe vini, Pz. ;
Atomaria fuscipes, Gyll. ; A.fuscata, Sch. ; A. mesomelas, Herbst ; A. analis, Er. ;
Ephist emus gyrinoides, Marsh. ; Byrrhusfasciatus,F. ; Cytilus varius, F. ; Parnus
prolifericornis, F. ; Heterocerus marginatus, F., one of a unicoloi'ous slate-colour
under seaweed.
Onthophagus nuchicornis, L. ; Aphodius fimetarius, L. ; A. ater, De G. ;
A. constans, Dufts. ; A. punctatosulcatus, Stm. ; 4 . prodrom us, Br. ; 4. rufipes, L. ;
4. depressus, Kug. ; Mgialia arenaria, F. ; Geotrupes stercorarius, L. ; G?. sylvati-
cus, Pz.
Lacon murinus, L. ; Cryptoliypnus riparius, F. ; ^yriofcs ofcscMrus, L. ;
.4. lineatus, L. ; Corymbites cupreus, F. ; C. iessellatus, F.
Cyphon variabilis, Th. ; Niptus crenatus, F., taken indoors.
Chrysomelabanksi,F. ; C. staphylea,h.; Gastroideaviridula, DeG. ; Phsedon
armoracise, L. ; P.cochlearias,F. ; Hydrothassa marginella,Ij. ; Lochmsea suturalis,
Thorns. ; Galerucella sagittariie, Gyll. ; Longitarsus holsaticus, L. ; L. luridus,
Scop. ; L. melanocephalus, All. ; L. piciceps, Steph. ; L. gracilis, Kuts., and var.
poweri, All. ; Phyllotreta undulata, Kuts. ; P. exclamationis, Th. ; Aphthona
nonstriata, Goeze ; Plectroscelis concinna, Marsh. ; Psylliodes napi, Koch ;
P. affinis, Pk. ; P. marcida, 111. ; Cassida flaveola, Th. ; C. equestris, F.
Apion cruentatum, Walt. ; A. apricans, Herbst; A. dichroum, Bedel; A.nigri-
tarse, Kirb. ; A. virens, Herbst; A. striatum, Kirb. ; A. scutellare, Kirb. ; A. loti,
Kirb. ; A. humile, Germ. ; Otiorrhynchus blandus, Gyll. ; 0. scabrosus, Marsh. ;
0. picipes, F. ; 0. sulcatus, F. ; 0. rugifrons, Gyll. ; 0. ovatus, L. ; Philopedon
geminatus, F. ; Barynotus obscurus, F. ; Sitones griseus, F. ; 8. regensleinensis,
Herbst ; S. lineellus, Gyll., common on Lotus comiculatus on the sandhills ;
5. tibialis, Herbst ; S. flavescens, Marsh. ; S. puncticollis, Steph. ; S. lineatus, L. ;
Hypera rumicis, L. ; H. polygoni, L. ; H. plantaginis, De G. ; H. trilineata,
Marsh. ; H. nigrirostris, F. ; Liosoma ovatulum, Clairv. ; Bagous glabrirostris var.
nig rit arsis, Thorns. ; Mecinus pyraster, Marsh. ; Antlionomus comari, Crotch ;
Orobitis cyaneus, L. ; Cceliodes quadrimaculatus, L. ; Ceuthorrhynchus contractus,
Marsh. ; C. quadridens, Pz. ; C. troglodytes, F. ; Rhinoncus pericarpius, L. ;
B. castor, F.
Reading :
August, 1914.
218 [September,
r
TWO HERMAPHRODITIC SPECIMENS OF ANDRENA, AND
A MONSTROUS FORM OF 'SALIUS EXALTATUS, Fab.
BY R. C. L. PERKINS, M.A., D.SC., F.Z.S.
Amongst some species of Andrena, collected this spring, two
hermaphroditic examples were taken. One of these is A. bimaculata,
K., the other, A. flavipes, Panz. (= A. fulvicrus, K.).
In the latter case the specimen is bilaterally asymmetrical, the
right half showing $ chai'acters, the left $ . In the bimaculata there
is no such division.
A. FLAVIPES.
Left Side.
Right Side.
Hairs of face longer.
Antennae thicker, 13-jointed, normal
$ organ.
All the legs as in ordinary $ .
Hairs shorter, but less so than in
ordinary $ .
Antennae thinner, 12-jointed, normal
$ organ.
All the legs as in ordinary ? .
The general appearance is that of a large robust £ , the thorax
clothed as in this sex, as also the abdomen, and quite different from
the ? .
Genital armature and 7th and 8th ventral segments as in the £ ,
there being no trace of $ characters. The ducts, glands, &c, as in
normal g , and living spermatozoa were present.
A. BIMACULATA.
Like a very large and robust <§ in appearance and clothing, but
all the legs are those of a $ , the scopse and the floccus of the
hind ones developed, though rather less perfectly than in normal ? ,
and a little more on one side than the other.
Abdomen as in $ , but the fifth dorsal segment bears dense
appressed hairs apically, and the 6th has an abnormal " pygidial
area," fringed on each side, the clothing of these segments evidently
corresponding to the $ anal fimbria.-
No trace of ? genital structures was found, the hidden segments,
genital armature, glands and ducts, all $ .
There was no evidence of stylopization or internal parasites in
either of these examples.
Last year, two monstrous examples of Salius exaltatus, $ , were
taken on the same day from Umbelliferous flowers, on which were
many normal specimens.
1914.] 219
These are nearly identical in structure, the abnormality being due
to the entire absence of ocelli, and the enormous development of the
compound eyes. The latter are almost as developed as in <$ Astatus,
the space between them both on the vertex and upper part of the front
being very narrow. There is a large fovea on the vertex posteriorly.
All the other parts of the insects are entirely normal.
Mr. A. H. Hamm has informed me that he has taken a similarly
abnormal Pompilid, but whether it belongs to the same species or
whether it came from the same locality, I do not know.
Fig. 1. Fig. 2.
The rough " camera lucida " outlines of the face of one of these
abnormal examples (fig. 2) and of a normal specimen (fig. 1) taken
with them, show at once the differences referred to above.
Paignton :
August 12th, 1914.
A NEW MOTH PARASITIC ON SPIDEES.
BY E. MEYRICK, B.A., F.R.S.
Six specimens of the following interesting new species of
Gelechiadte have been kindly sent me by Mr. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher
for identification : —
Brachmia xerophaga, n. sp.
$ . 11-12 mm. Head, thorax, and. abdomen whitish-ochreous. Palpi pale
ochreous tinged with fuscous ; terminal joint suffused with dark fuscous.
Antennal ciliations minute. Forewings elongate, somewhat dilated posteriorly ;
costa gently arched, apex obtuse, termen sinuate, rather oblique ; 2 and 3
stalked, 7 to termen, 8 and 9 out of 7 ; ochreous-whitish or pale whitish ochreous,
sometimes finely sprinkled with f viscous; a slender fulvous-ochreous streak
220 [September,
along costa throughout, sometimes suffused with dark fuscous towards base ;
an oblique dark fuscous streak from dtfrsum near base, reaching nearly to costa ;
first discal stigma moderate, blackish, plical very small, dark fuscous, slightly
beyond it ; a somewhat inwards-curved dark fuscous streak from beneath f of
costa to a of dorsum ; a submarginal series of partially confluent blackish dots
round posterior fourth of costa and termen, followed by a suffused white line,
and preceded in apical angle by a spot of dark fuscous suffusion ; cilia whitish
ochreous, on costa fuscoiis becoming fulvous-ochreous towards base. Hind-
wings light grey ; cilia whitish-ochreous tinged with grey.
Mr. Fletcher writes as follows : " You will probably remember
the interesting case of BatracJiedra stegodyphobius, Wals., which was
bred in the Zoological Gardens from nests of a Stegodyplms (a social
spider) from South Africa (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1903, p. 166). Several
species of Stegodijplms are common in India, spinning large common
nests on bushes and trees, and I have examined these several times in
the hope of finding a similar symbiotic moth. When at G-uindy
(7 miles south of Madras City), in March, I was again examining
these nests and was lucky enough to find these moths in all stages.
The larva, which is dark red in colour, lives in the nest and doubtless
feeds on the fragments of the numerous insects caught in the webs ;
the pupa is also found in the nest, as is the moth itself. The latter
may be seen resting on the outside of the web-nest or running freely
into the galleries leading to its interior. The whole association is most
interesting, and it is satisfactory to have found it in India after having
looked especially for it for so long."
Thomhanger, Marlborough :
July 27th, 1914.
ON THE OVA AND YOUNG LARYM OF BERYTUS SIGNORETI, Fieb.
BY E. A. BUTLER, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S.
On Whit-Monday, June 1st, I found at the roots of Ononis
arvensis several gravid $ $ of this Hemipteron on the road- side bank
at Royston, where I obtained B. clavipes two years ago. The latter
species was again present and in considerable numbers, and I obtained
from them a great many ova, which hatched after about a fortnight,
but unfortunately almost all the young larvae died in their first instar.
The 2 2 of B. signoreti laid about a dozen eggs at considerable
intervals of time, on a small Trifolium, which was growing with the
Ononis. The ovum is very similar to that of B. clavipes (see Ent. Mo.
19H.] 221
Mag., XLIX, p. 28). It is of the same brownish colour, with the
same fluted surface, and the same circle of minute points at one end.
The only difference is that it is a little shorter, and therefore propor-
tionately stouter, but this difference is almost imperceptible till they
are placed side by side ; and, indeed, is far less than would have been
expected, considering the much smaller size of the imago.
The young larvte hatched out in the same way as those of B.
clavipes, by bursting out, with an irregular fracture, through one end
of the egg, and not by the removal of a cap at the summit. Their
disclosure occurred at intervals during the third and fourth weeks in
June. The larva closely resembles that of B. clavipes, and is similarly
beset, body, antennae and legs, with capitate hairs. It is shorter in
body, and has not the green tinge of the larger species, being quite
colourless, save for a slight smokiness of legs and antennae. The
abdomen has many black dots iipon its dorsal surface, and from these
spring the globe-tipped hairs. I supplied these larvae with both
Ononis and Trifolinm, and by preference they selected the former.
But, unfortunately, the same fate awaited them as befell those of
B. clavipes, and they all succumbed before their first ecdysis.
56, Cecile Park,
Crouch End, N. :
August 15th, 1914.
Hoplia philanthus near Cambridge, arid Homaloplia ruricola in Oxfordshire.
— It may be of interest to note the occurrence in profusion of Hoplia philanthus
on the marshy ground known as Quy Fen, a few miles from Cambridge, on the
last days of June this year. The beetles were seen by two assistants attached
to the University Zoological Laboratory, Messrs. P. H. Sharman and G. A.
Drury. On the morning of June 27th, Mr. Sharman saw large numbers of the
Hoplia flying round one particular bush near a pond, and other specimens
scattered at short distances from it. He took four examples, all $ $ , together
with one ? Phyllopertha horticola. Mr. Drury visited Quy Fen three days
later, on the morning of June 30th, and found the insect in great abundance
flying round and settling on bushes. He took 22 specimens, 21 being £ , and
only one ? . On both occasions many more specimens could have been cap-
tured had this been necessary. Newmarket and some localities in Cambridge-
shire have been recorded for this species. Stephens, in 1830, quotes the
Rev. L. Jenyns as recording it from " about Ely, and from the Devil's-ditch,
plentiful " (111. Brit. Ent. iii, p. 228), but I am not aware that its occurrence on
Quy Fen has been previously noted, and the present case affords another
instance of the remarkable profusion in which, when it occurs at all, this insect
sometimes appears.
222 [September,
At the same time may be mentioned the occurrence of an allied form,
Homaloplia ruricola, in the Chiltern Hills, a few miles from Henley-on-Thames.
The locality was a very steep chalky hill-side, bearing abundance of flowers,
rest-harrow, marjoram, thyme, hawkweeds, &c. A single specimen of the
beetle was swept from the low, flowery vegetation at the top of the hill on
August 1st, 1910, by Mr. J. C. F. Fryer. In the following year the same spot
was searched diligently but without success, but in 1912, on June 30th, I found
three specimens, apparently all ? 9 , in a rather curious manner. They were
half buried in the soil under the radical leaves of thistles at the foot of the
hill. The weather was chilly and dull. All the specimens belong to the form
with reddish elytra. — Hugh Scott, University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge.
Xantholinus scoticus, Joy -. synonymical note. — This insect appears to me to
be identical with what Eeitter regards as the type-form of X. angustatus,
Steph. (= ochraceus, Gyll.), while the form with the smooth thorax he calls
v. nitidicollis, nom. nov. (v. Best. Tab., Heft LXLV, 1908). He is probably
mistaken about angustatus, Steph., as our common insect is the form with the
smooth thorax. I have seen ve^ few of the other form, at all events it is very
rare in the South of England. He may very possibly be right as to ochraceus,
Gyll. E. A. Nbwbket, 13, Oppidans Road, N.W., August 13th, 1914.
Nomiades semiargus Bott., in Kent. — I have recently had an opportunity of
examining a specimen of this scarce butterfly, which is said to have been cap-
tured on the chalk-hills that form the back-bone of Kent, at a point a few miles
east of Maidstone. The specimen is a female, in poor condition, and has unfor-
tunately lost both antennae. It is without any data label, but the fortunate
captor (Mrs. G. H. Green) assures me that there can be no mistake as to the
locality, for she has collected in no other, and her collection (which is a 6mall
and rather casual one) does not contain any material from extraneous sources.
She cannot be sure of the date as she had no idea of the value of the capture
at the time, and, in fact, identified it within the last few weeks only, on the
acquisition of a copy of South's excellent volumes on British Lepidoptera.
But the specimen is believed to have been taken within the last three years.
South, writing in 1906, states (on the authority of Tutt) that semiargus " was
taken near Cuxton in Kent, some thirty-five years ago," which — with the
exception of some Glamorganshire examples taken in 1877— appears to be the
most recent capture in Britain. The present specimen must, under any circum-
stances, have been living in Kent two decades after that date, if not very much
more recently. It seems possible that it may still survive on some of these
rough hill pastures that have remained uncultivated for centuries. — E. Eknest
Gkeen, Camberley : July 23rd, 1914.
Parascotia fuliginaria, L., at Camberley. — A specimen of this scarce Hypenid
moth flew into my room, at midnight, yesterday. It pitched on the wall, with
its wings fully extended and adpressed closely to the support, in which position
it resembled a Geometrid. According to South, Camberley appears to be a
favourite locality for the species. He records eight specimens, taken " chiefly
1914.] 223
at light," in 1904-5. Possibly others may have been taken here since the pub-
lication of his volume (in 1908).— E. Ernest Green: July 24th, 1914.
An additional note on Psylla hippophms, Forst. — Mr. C. Morley's note on
Psylla hippophms (ante, p. 205) needs a further reference to add to its complete-
ness. I found this insect commonly on Hippophde rhamnoides on the Camber
Sandhills, near Eye, in June, 1882, and it is therefore included in the list of the
Homoptera of Sussex in the Victoria History of that county. This record
would have been included in Edwards' " Homoptera of the British Islands," but
that at the time of the publication of that work, I did not know the Psyllina
would be included in it. Of the Hippophae above-mentioned there were but a
few bushes, and these were some years ago rooted up in the interests of golf,
and the insect has consequently become extinct in East Sussex. — E. A. Butler.
56, Cecile Park, Crouch End, N. : August Uh, 1914.
Societies.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, July 9th, 1914.— Mr. A. E. Gibbs, F.L.S., F.Z.S., Vice-President, in
the Chair.
Mr. Newman exhibited living larvae of Gastropacha ilioifolia and Deilepihila
galii with the parent imagines of the former species, together with a curiously
suffused and obscure form of Dianthcecia capsincola. Mr. Newman demonstrated
a method of killing Anthrocerids (Zygsenids) by immersion in petrol for a few
moments, which appeared to be quite successful. Mr. H. Moore, a living speci-
men of Phymateus segrotus, a large Orthopteron from the Cape. Mr. J. Piatt
Barrett, living mole crickets, Gryllotalpa vulgaris, small larva and ova shells of
Melanargia pherusa, a large centipede, etc., all from Sicily. Mr. W. "West
(Ashtead), the Phylloxera of the oak, P. punctata. Mr. Step, several Hemipterous
pests, including Phyllaphis fagi in masses under leaves of beech, and Phyllopsis
fraxini in a similar manner under leaves of ash, with P. fraxinicola and Pediopsis
tiliw. Mr. B.. Adkin, a bred series of Celastri7ia (Cyaniris) argiolus, from 1913
autumn larvae on ivy, one or two of which were of the facies of the autumn
emergence. Mr. Hy . Turner, the whole of the plates of Bosel's " Insekten belusti-
gung," 1746 (1)-1761, with Kleeman's additional volume of plates and an
autograph letter re the volume, from W. Spence, 1812. Mr. A. E. Gibbs, a
drawer of species and forms of Parnassius, including P. mnemosyne, P. apollo,
P. stubbendorfi, P. delphius, P. apollonius, P. imperator, P. hardwickii, P. disco-
bolus, P. romanovi, etc. Mr. Step read a Eeport of the Congress of the S. E.
Union of Scientific Societies held at Bournemouth, June 10th-13th, at which
he and Mr. Hy. J. Turner attended as the Society's delegates. — Hy. J. Turner,
Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesday, May 6th, 1914. —
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.L.S., President, in the Chair.
Messrs. E. W. Adair, Accolani Gardens, Shubrah, Cairo ; Charles Percival
224 [September,
Emmett, 2nd Lieut., East Surrey Regt., c/o Messrs. Cox and Co., 16, Charing
Cross, London ; and F. H. Gravely, The India Museum, Calcutta, were elected
Fellows of the Society.
The death was announced of the Rev. E. N. Bloomfield, M.A., one of the
oldest Fellows of the Society.
Mr. C. B. Williams exhibited the larva, cocoon, and male and female adults
of a dark olive-chocolate variety of Lasiocampa quercus, and read notes,
Dr. F. A. Dixey, drawings of the specialised scales from the " greasy patch" on
the fore-wing of Ornithoptera priamus f. euphorion, Gray, J , and from the fold of
the hind-wing of Cosmodesmus macleayanus, Leach, $ , C. sarpedon f . choredon,
Feld., $ , C.eurypylus f. lycaonides Rothsch., (?,and G. enrypylusi. lycaon, Feld.,
$ . Mr. S. A. Neave, some flies of the Asilid genus Hyperechia from Mlanje,
Nyasaland, and also nine examples of three species of Hyperechia captured
'with prey," pointing out that in every case the prey is Hymenopterous. Prof.
Poulton drew attention to an observation sent to him by Miss Margery G.
Farnell, writing April 15th, 1914, from Allerford, Somerset : — " Suddenly on a
rather damp path and flowerbed a wriggling mass of Tipulid larvae appeared.
They are there in millions. Yesterday we swept up two barrows full and
gave them to the trout, hoping they will devour them. Fresh ones wriggle to
the surface every minute." Prof. Poulton read a record of observations, received
from Mr. W. A. Lamborn, on the method by which Tachinid flies escape
from the mud cells of Eumenes, and on the habits of the wasp, Belenogaster
junceus, F., and the attacks of Tachinid flies upon it. He also gave an account
of a correspondence bearing upon the Association between fungi and ants, and
read letters bearing on Entomology in Tropical Africa. The following papers
were read, both being illustrated with the Epidiascope :—" New species and
sub-species of Pierinse," by F. A. Dixey, M.A., M.D., F.R.S., Fellow of Wadham
College, Oxford ; " On the Taxonomic Value of the Genital Armature in Lepi-
doptera," by G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., F.Z.S., President of the Entomological
Society of London. — Geo. Wheeler, Hon. Secretary.
THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF DAN AID A PLEXIPPUS, L.
(DANAIS ARCHIPPUS, F.) WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE
TO ITS RECENT MIGRATIONS.
BY JAMES J. WALKER, M.A., R.N., F.L.S.
(Continued from page ly3J
The Eastward Migration op Danaida plexippus.
I. Bermuda, the Azores, and the Canary Islands.
Turning now to the wanderings of Danaida plexippus eastward
from the American Continent, we are not surprised to find that at the
Bermudas, the first island group encountered in this direction, the
butterfly has been long established as a resident, and together with its
iM4.] 225
food-plant has found there a congenial home. It would indeed be re-
markable if this strong-flying insect had not many times succeeded in
making the passage thither, with the aid of the heavy autumnal gales
which sweep across the 650 miles of ocean that separate the coast of
Carolina from the Bermudas, and carry to the Islands so many species
of North American birds of limited powers of flight, and even swarms
of such a small and feeble butterfly as Terias Usa, Boisd. (cf. Wallace,
Island Life, ed. 1892, p. 269 ; J. Matthew Jones, The Naturalist in
Bermuda, p. 120) . The notice of our butterfly as observed by Mr. Jones
in Bermuda, is as follows (I.e. pp. 118-9) : —
" Of the few species of Diurnal Lepidoptera frequenting the
Islands, the Archippus butterfly (Danais Archippus) ranks first
for size and beauty. This fine species, which is so frequently
seen in the southern states of America, is also common in the Ber-
mudas, and generally to be found where a patch of ipecacuanha is in
bloom. Mr. Hurdis' note-book has the following : — ' Dec. 18. The
beautiful caterpillar of D. Archippus is still common ' (here follows a
brief description of the larva and pupa). ' The favourite food of the
caterpillar is the curascoa swallow-wort or bastard ipecacuanha
(Asclepias curassavica) which grows wild in pastures, gardens, and
roadsides, and blossoms during every month of the year. The perfect
insect is abundant throughout the year.' " D. berenice, Cram., a well-
known species from the warmer parts of America, is recorded (I.e.,
p. 119) as " of rare occurrence in the Bermudas."
We owe the first record of Danaida plexipjous from the Azores to
Mr. F. Du Cane Godman (The Natural History of the Azores or
Western Islands, pp. 101-2). Under "Danais archippus, F.," he
writes — " I met with only two specimens of this insect, neither of
which did I catch myself. One was taken in Flores in 1864, the other
kindly given me by Mr. J. Dabney of Fayal, where it had been caught
the previous summer (1864). Both specimens are females .... I do
not regard the species as established in the Azores, though the fact of
its having been obtained from two islands so widely separated is a
curious coincidence, and not easily accounted for. I met with no one
who knew the insect or had ever seen it before. I may also add that
there is regular communication between North America and the
Azores."
A subsequent capture of the butterfly in these Islands is noted by
Dr. W. J. Holland (Twenty-fourth Annual Report of the Entom-
ological Society of Ontario, 1893 — " The insects taken by the United
T
226 [September,
States Eclipse expedition of 1889, at the Azores, numbered among
them two specimens of this butterfly. There were only about a dozen
specimens of insects taken at the Azores by the industrious naturalists
of the party, and I judge that it must be common there. Why we
have not heard of its domiciliation on the African continent is a
mystery to me. It will no doubt get there before long." It is not,
however, enumerated in the list of species of Lepidoptera met with in
the Azores by Dr. Ernst Hartert and Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant in
March and April, 1903 (Warren, Novitates Zoologicse, vol. XIII,
pp. 439-447), and is probably little more than a casual wanderer to
these Islands ; neither is Asclepias curassavica included in Mr. H. C.
Watson's catalogue of the Azorean plants in Mr. Godman's book, though
he notes (pp. 194-5) A. (Gomphocarpus) fruticosa, L., from Eayal, but
as " only a casual escape from gardens."
At the present time the Canary Islands are the head-quarters
of the butterfly in the Eastern Atlantic region, though I have not
been able to ascertain the exact time at which it first reached these
islands, or at any rate was first observed there. I had no record
of its occurrence in the Canaries in my former paper (1886), but my
friend Prof. Poulton writes (Bedrock, April, 1914, p. 42, footnote) —
" I saw it myself in Grand Canary in 1888," and in February, 1889,
I was shown at Gibraltar several specimens that had been taken in
Teneriffe only a short time previously. It would appear, as well as its
food-plant, to have increased and multiplied rapidly since that time,
for in 1894 we find Mrs. A. E. Holt- White (The Butterflies and Moths
of Teneriffe, pp. 44-46) writing as follows — " The larva .... lives
and feeds gregariously on the ' Arbol de Seda ' (silk-tree, Asclepias
curassavica) , a plant bearing a very bright red and gold flower ....
A brood seems to emerge about every three months in most years
from February to September. The butterfly frequents flower-gardens
and fields near the coast, not often being found more than seven or
eight hundred feet above the sea." Subsequent records from the
Canaries agree as to its now being one of the common butterflies of
the Islands, and Mr. A. E. Elliott (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XXXVIII,
p. 131) notes it as being "fairly common and widely distributed" in
the winter months of 1901-2.
I can find no record of the occurrence of Danaida pfexippus in
Madeira, though as long ago as 1885 I was shown in an English
greenhouse a vigorous plant of Asclepias curassavica which had been
brought from that island.
1914.]
227
II. The British Islands.
The recorded occurrences of Danaida plexippus in our islands,
which I have been able to collect from the various entomological
magazines, &c, may be conveniently presented in the following
table : —
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, X, p. 73.
IX, pp. 265-7
o. Mag., XXII
, XIX, p. 12.
o. Mag., XXI,
o. Mag. XXII
, XVIII, p. 30
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XIX, 276
XXIX, p.
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228 [September,
It will be seen at once that of the twenty-nine specimens
enumerated above as having been captured or seen within the limits
of the British (and Channel) Islands, every one has occurred in a
maritime county, and with only two or three exceptions, on the coast
itself. Cornwall heads the list with nine records, the Isle of Wight
and Sussex have five each, Dorset three, Hants and South Wales two,
and Devon, Kent, and Guernsey one apiece. The absence of any records
from Ireland is noteworthy, especially when the relatively large number
of captures in the western parts of England is taken into account, but
this may well be due to the lack of observers on the Irish coast.
III. The Continent or Europe.
The number of specimens of Danaida plexijipus that have reached
the shores of Continental Europe is unaccountably small in comparison
with the fairly numerous occurrences of the butterfly in Britain. I
am unable to add any further records to those of its capture by
M. Grassal, in La Vendee, Western France, in September, 1897
(Baret, Pet. Nouv. Entom., II, pp. 253-4) ; my own note in this
Magazine (vol. XXIII, p. 162), on the specimen taken by Lieut. C. H.
Cochran, at Gibraltar, on October 24th, 1886, almost on the day of
my arrival there from England ; and the record by the late Mr. H.
Goss (Entom., vol. XX, p. 106) of the capture by Mr. Geo. D. Tait of
a $ specimen, on September 29th, 1886, in his garden at Oporto.
The Eange op Danaida peexippus in the New World.
Before proceeding to enquire into the agencies that have been the
cause of the spread of our butterfly to the remote shores it has now
reached, it is desirable to indicate the limits of its distribution through-
out the two Americas. In this connection I follow Scudcler, Poulton,
and other recent authors in regarding D. erippus, Cram., the
predominant form in the eastern and southern portions of South
America, as a geographical race of J), plexvpptis, though it is separated
as a distinct species by Haensch (Seitz, Macro-Lep., America, p. 113).
Throughout the whole of the warmer parts of North America we
find the butterfly generally distributed and often very abundant. Its
range extends southward through the West Indies and Central America
beyond the Isthmus of Panama, and northward into the Dominion of
Canada as far as Moose Fort at the south end of Hudson's Bay in
lat. 50° 20' N. (J. Jenner Weir, Entom., Vol. XVIII, p. 51), and
according to Dr. Scudder (I.e., p. 728), still further north to the
Athabasca country in about lat. 58°. It is, however, more than probable
1914.] 229
that in these remote northern localities it is not a resident species, but
a migratory straggler. On the Pacific coast it reaches at least as far
north as Vancouver Island, where it is no doubt resident, although I
did not have the good fortune to see it when I was there in 1882. In
South America its range extends southward from the Isthmus to the
estuary of the Eio de la Plata, where, at Monte Video, I saw it
commonly in 1880, and, on the authority of Berg (Scudder, I.e., p. 728),
through Southern Argentina into Patagonia. On the western side of
the continent, where it assumes the form nigrippus, Haensch (Seitz,
I.e., p. 113), characterised by having the fulvous subapical spots in the
fore- wings replaced by white, it appears to stop short at Southern Peru,
being for some unaccountable reason absent from Chili. Finally,
the stormy winds of the South Atlantic have in one instance at least
carried the southern representative of D. plexippus as far as the
Falkland Islands, in lat. 52° S, long. 69° W. In the " Proceedings of
the South London Entomological Society " for May 26th, 1892, we read
that " Mr. J. Jenner Weir exhibited a specimen of A nasi a plexippus, L.,
var. erippus, Cramer, which had been obtained by one of the employes
of Captain Parke in the Falkland Islands .... During Captain
Parke's residence in these islands for about twenty years he had never
seen a specimen of the Anosia in question ; it therefore appears that,
like its northern representative, the true Anosia plexippus, the southern
form had the migratory habit similarly developed."
Taking the interval between the extreme northern and southern
points at which it has been observed, it will be seen that Danaida
plexippus has the wonderful range in latitude of over 110°. This is at
least as great as that of the cosmopolitan Pijrameis cardui, whose
range extends as far north as, and perhaps beyond, the Arctic Circle, its
limits to the south being New Zealand and Tasmania.
Observations of Danaida plexippus and other Insects
at Sea.
The observations on insects alighting on ships in the open
ocean, commencing with the classical instance recorded by Darwin
(Naturalists' Voyage, ed. 1901, p. 158) of a large grasshopper or
locust which flew on board the " Beagle " when 370 miles from the
African coast, are too numerous for quotation, but I venture to give
here my own experiences in this respect. On the outward voyage of
H.M.S. " Kingfisher " in 1880, in about lat. 44° N., long. 23° 30' W.,
my diary notes — " a Sphinx convolvuli seen flying wildly and strongly
about the ship," the nearest islands to windward being Graciosa and
2:50 [September,
Terceira in the Azores, each distant fully 350 miles. A few days
afterwards, in lat. 6° N., long. 27° W., at a distance of 720 miles from
the nearest point of the coast of Africa, I saw a butterfly on board
which I failed to secure, but which was almost certainly the type-form
of Danaida clirysippus, L. — the only alternative being Hypolimnas
misippus, L. $ — neither of which I had observed at the last port we
had left, S. Vincente in the Cape Verde Islands.* On approaching
Monte Video, in a part of the South Atlantic where this phenomenon
was observed as long ago as Cook's first voyage in 1768 (c/. Jovvrnal
of Sir J. Banks, pp. 44-45), and on many occasions since, quite a
number of moths of small or moderate size and mostly in good
condition came on board the ship, we being then some 120 miles from
the coast. Lastly, when on a voyage from San Francisco to Callao in
1882, a fine specimen of the well-known large Noctuid moth Erebus
odora, L. (now in the Oxford University Museum) was taken in
lat. 12° 30' N., long. 106° W., more than 250 miles from the coast of
Central America, from whence alone it could have come.
The records of the appearance of Danaida plexippus over the open
ocean in many cases at a distance of hundreds of miles from the
nearest land, are of especial importance as bearing upon the question
of its vastly extended distribution in recent years. I have already
alluded to the records by Mathew (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XXII, p. 221)
and by Scudder {ante, p. 187) of its occurrence, presumably on
migratory flight, over wide stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Similar
observations from the Atlantic Ocean are by no means wanting, and
are, if possible, of even greater interest ; some of these records may be
quoted more or less in detail.
In the " Canadian Entomologist " for July, 1880 (vol. XII, p. 137),
Mr. O. J. Bowles writes of one of these captures at sea — " Its powers
of flight will hardly be doubted by any one who has attempted to
catch it on the wing. But a stronger proof some of you have had in
the exhibition of a D. Archippus some years ago by Mr. Pearson of
Montreal, which had been captured on board a ship in the Atlantic,
hundreds of miles from land." Mr. J. E. Robson in the "Young
Naturalist" for 1887 (vol. VIII, p. 118) states as follows :—" I
often have butterflies and other insects brought to me by seafaring
friends, some of whom take the trouble to mark the latitude and
longitude where the specimens were taken, or the distance from the
* In June, 1893, I again saw one or other of these butterflies on board H.M.S. " Tyne " in the
Indian Ocean about 150 miles S.E. of Cape Guardafui, which had probably been carried out to
sea by the strong south-west monsoon prevalent at the time.
i»u-] 23 L
nearest land. In the course of the last ten years several examples of
this handsome butterfly have been so brought to me, one being
marked 600 miles from Cape Race,* the nearest land ! The specimen
is in good condition, being only slightly rubbed in one place,
probably by the fingers of the captor, unused to handling such fragile
creatures."
In our own pages we have the record by Mr. G. A. Harker (Ent.
Mo. Mag., vol. XXIX, p. 86) of the capture of a specimen some years
previous to 1893, off the coast of Portugal, sixty miles from Cape
St. Vincent — a position from which a flight of two or three hours at
most would have brought the insect safely to land. Still more interest-
ing is Mr. C. G. Barrett's record in the same volume (p. 163) of
" several specimens of D. Archvppus of the North American type "
having been taken about the year 1880 on a vessel bound from Glasgow
to New York, " upon the Atlantic, at a distance of from 200 to 300
miles from the British shores." Mr. Barrett continues — " There can, I
think be no doubt, that these were a portion of a migratory swarm
on its way here. Yet it is curious that no specimens appear to have
been seen in Ireland." For myself, I think we have here a clear
case in which a number of these butterflies had almost completed
their perilous voyage across the Atlantic to our shores, when an
observer on an outward-bound ship had the good fortune to encounter
them.
The last observation to which I shall refer, by Mr. G. F. Mathew
(Entom. Rec, vol. XV, p. 162), is also of very great interest, as being
the sole record of Danaida plexijjjms from the Mediterranean region —
" While looking through my journal for notes .... I came across the
following, which was written on November 8th, 1897, while we were
steaming through the Grecian Archipelago. I intended to send a note
of it to one of the entomological magazines at the time, but did not
do so. The entry reads, ' Anosia plexippus. — One of these butterflies
flapped slowly over the ship, not more than ten yards above my head,
and I had a good view of it, and feel confident it was this species, with
which I am well acquainted. The day was bright, hot, and calm.
When I was in the Pacific, between 1881-4, I often saw these butter-
flies passing over, or flying about, the ship, when we were miles from
any land, so I do not think it likely I was mistaken. But where can
this one have come from, the east or west ? ' "
* Mr. A. H. Swinton kindly informs that in 1909 he received a specimen of Danaida plexippus
taken by his nephew at Cape Race. I do not think that the butterfly has been as yet recorded
from Newfoundland.
232 [September, 1914.
The " Means of Dispersal " of Danaida plexippus.
We now come to the consideration of the agencies by means of
which our butterfly has been enabled to accomplish its voyages across
the ocean, and in so many cases to found successful and nourishing
colonies in regions far remote from its present head-quarters. This
subject was discussed by Mr. W. L. Distant in a very able and
intei-esting paper entitled " The Geographical Distribution of Danais
Archippus" (Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1877, pp. 93-104), not long
after the wanderings of the insect had begun to attract the attention
of entomologists.
Like myself, Mr. Distant is strongly disposed to believe that it is
quite within the power of Danaida plexipptis, aided by favourable
circumstances of wind and weather, to cross even the wider parts of
the great oceans. He writes (I.e., p. 95) : " That the winds alone are
a great agency of dispersal with the Lepidoptera cannot be doubted
with the number of authentic records we have of butterflies and moths
being found far at sea and great distances from the nearest land ;
and it will readily be understood that butterflies of high and strong
flight, especially when at certain seasons they become gregarious, must
have a greater chance of being borne on the wings. of a strong wind or
carried away by a sudden gale than those insects whose flight is low,
or whose habits are more solitary and secluded. Now we know that
D. Arcliippus has a powerful flight, often sailing with wings expanded
high in the air ... . We also learn from Mr. Riley that the butter-
fly appears in large bevies or flocks almost every year in some part or
other of the west .... Mr. Riley further remarks, 'this assembling'
in large flocks at a considerable height would always be a source of
danger to them, when overtaken by a gale of wind, when there would
be a great probability of their being carried out to sea ' . . . . Winds
alone can scarcely be considered the only cause of the migration of
butterflies over large areas of sea, though of the highest efficacy for
the purpose. When met with far away from land they seem glad to
alight on the vessel for rest, and no doubt vast numbers must succumb
to the waves ; for apart from the vigour required to sustain such a
long flight, the spray in rough weather would sufficiently damp their
wings to prevent any onward progress, and very rarely would one be
able to survive the long flight across the breadth of the ocean."
Whatever might be the fate of the butterfly attempting to alight
on the surface of the sea when at all rough, the following observation
by Dr. Seitz (Macro-Lep., Palsearctic Region, I, p. 77), "I very often
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CONTENTS. page
Help-notes towards the determination of British Tenthredinidae, &c. (33)
(continued).— Rev. F, D. Morice, M. A., F.E.S 209
On Dorytomus maculatus, Marsh. ((= taeniatus, Fab), and D. costirostris, G-yll.
(dejeani, Faust), of British collections.— E. A. Newbery 213
Coleoptera at Cloghane, Co. Kerry. — J. R. le B. Tomlin, M.A., F.E.S. , and
N. R. Joy, M.R.C.S., F.E.S 214
Two hermaphroditic specimens of Andrena, and a monstrous form of Salius
exaltatus, Fab — R. C. L. Perkins, M.A., D.Sc, F.Z.S 218
A new moth parasitic on spiders. — E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S 219
On the ova and young larvse of Berytus signoreti, Fieb. — E. A. Butler, B.A.,
B.Sc.,F.E.S 220
Hoplia plulanthus near Cambridge, and Homaloplia ruricola in Oxfordshire. —
Hugh Scott, B.A., F.E.S 221
Xantholinus scoticus, Joy : synonymical note. — E. A. Newbery 222
Nomiades semiargus, Rott., in Kent. — E. E. Green, F.E.S 222
Parascotia fuliginaria, L., at Camberley. — Id 222
An additional note on Psylla hippophses, Forst. — E. A. Butler, B.A., B.Sc,
F.E.S 223
Societies. — South London Entomological and Natural History Society 223
Entomological Society of London 223
The Geographical Distribution of Danaida plexippus, L. (Danais archippus, F.),
with especial reference to its recent migrations (continued). — James J.
Walker, M.A., R.N., F.L.S. 224
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Ent. Mo. Mag., 1914. Plate XI.
Photo, F. N. Clark.
OREOPSYCHE PYRENAELLA, H.-S.
October, 1914.] 233
saw plexippus at sea flying at a very considerable height, and observed
that it could settle on the surface of the water with the wings ex-
panded and rise again without difficulty into the air," would suggest
that not only is it quite able to do so with safety in calm weather, but
that it might even be able thus to obtain a certain amount of needful
rest. It is evident that a rest of this kind might be of material
assistance to a migrating butterfly in effecting a long sea passage.
Dr. Scudder is not disposed, however, to admit of the butterfly
being able, by its unaided flight, to cross more than a moderate extent
of ocean. I give here his views in full (I.e. pp. 733, et seq.) : —
" I have spoken of the extension of its natural region as one due
to commercial agencies, because it would seem that the distance to
which the insect has been carried must be due to something more than
its very remarkable powers of flight. The fact that the butterfly has
been seen flying at sea five hundred miles from land is a sufficient
proof of the latter, and we should be far from questioning its power
to compass with no very great difficulty one-half the extreme distances
to which we know it has been carried without power of alighting.
But that this should occur with a female heavy with eggs (and no
other supposition would permit us to understand its subsequent
propagation in the regions visited) is past credence ; more especially
as we have in the instance of its transport from the Hawaiian Islands
to the Caroline group an almost certain proof of the method of its
transport, through artificial aid. The alighting of one of these
butterflies laden with fertile eggs, upon some part of a vessel or within
its hold would by no means be a strange occurrence, and this is all
that is necessary to explain its transport over the wider regions. That
having once established itself in the Micronesian Islands it could
easily spread over the whole of Polynesia through the insect's ordinary
powers of flight, will not be questioned. But that this has taken
place not only within historic times, but within the last twenty or
thirty years, as has been shown by Semper, is an almost direct proof
that its first introduction to the South Seas was by artificial means ;
for if it could be brought about solely by the power of flight of the
insect, aided by the natural currents of the air, it would have happened
long ago, and the fact that the insect has been able to establish itself
wherever it chose when it got a foot-hold, and that it has not until a
recent period established itself, are sufficient proofs that commercial
agencies, so much more abundant in later times than formerly, have
been the great means of introducing these butterflies to the islands of
284 [October,
the Pacific. It is highly probable that it owed its first introduction to
the Hawaiian Islands to similar agencies, and that its appearance in
Europe is due to the same cause."
As far as I am aware, we have no proof of the " aestivation " of
this, or indeed of any butterfly, and I much doubt the probability of
the perfect insect remaining cpiieseent on or in any part of a ship in
the tropical regions, as suggested above by Dr. Scudder. In a voyage
of any length, too, it would lie always exposed to the risk of being
sooner or later blown away from the vessel. Darwin (I.e., p. 158,
foot-note) writes, " The flies which frequently accompany a ship for
some days on its passage from harbour to harbour wandering from
the vessel, are soon lost, and all disappear." On the other hand, a
ship in mid-ocean may well form as welcome a resting-place for a
wandering butterfly as for a migrating bird, and may be at times the
means of enabling either to reach a new land.
The probability of Banaida ^/ezipjjtts being transported in its
early stages is, I think, even less than in the case of the imago. In
the warmer parts of its range, the whole of its transformations, from
the laying of the egg to the emergence of the perfect insect, are effected
in six weeks or even less (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XXII, p. 218), the eggs
hatching in from four or five days to a week, and the pupa state lasting
two or three weeks at most. Thus in the event of the pupa (c/. Seitz,
Macro-Lep., Pal. Region, I, p. 77, footnote), or even the food-plant with
eggs attached, having been included in " bales of hay " these eggs would
stand a very small chance of remaining unhatched on a sea voyage of
any length, and the young larvae would almost inevitably perish. The
integuments of the larva, unlike those of the imago, are very soft and
tender, and readily liable to mechanical injury. Again, no one who
has ever handled a living pupa or the filmy transparent shell of one
that has been vacated by the perfect insect, will be likely to admit the
possibility of its surviving the rough treatment it would necessarily
receive if included by accident with merchandise on board ship. This
also appears to me to dispose of the suggestion by Mr. Distant (I.e.,
pp. 97-8) as to the possibility of the butterfly, in any of its stages,
being conveyed to distant lands by the agency of trees or other
" natural debris " borne on the great currents of the ocean, however
efficacious such means may be in the case of other creatures of a more
hardy nature.
From my further experience of Banaida plexippus, I see no reason
whatever to modify the opinion expressed in my former paper in this
19H,] 235
Magazine (I.e., p. 222) as to its ability to traverse the spaces of ocean
that divide its American home from the nearest lands east and west, by
means of its own good wings, with no other assistance than the favour
of the elements. To begin with, its flight, if not as rapid as that of
many other butterflies, is powerful, sustained, and untiring ; its habit
of assembling in great swarms, and of mounting high in air, have been
alluded to by every writer on its life-history ; and finally, the toughness
of its integuments, as well as its hardiness, vitality, and longevity, are
exceptional even for the highly protected family to which it belongs.
Thus everything is in favour of some individuals at least of a swarm of
these butterflies, blown by a heavy gale out to sea and probably carried
up to a great height by ascending air-currents, surviving for days, if not
for weeks, and eventually " making the land," as indeed was so nearly
the case with those recorded from the Atlantic by Mr. Barrett (ante,
p. 231). Borne on the wings of the wind, with no more exertion than
would be necessary to enable them to keep their balance, they would
incur very little if any damage or " waste of tissue," and on their
arrival at a foreign shore, even a " female heavy with eggs " would no
doubt be in sufficiently good case to found a colony, provided always
that the necessary food-plant were at hand.
As it is, to say the least, very unlikely that the insect under these
circumstances would be accompanied by any one of its very few
parasites or other enemies, its rapid increase in many of its new homes
is readily accounted for. This increase would not be checked, except
as in New Caledonia by the wholesale destruction of the food-plant
by the larva (ante, p. 190), or as at Sydney (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. XLI,
p. 220) by one or other of the local parasitic insects finding out and
adapting itself to the new-comer.
It is the arrival of the food-plant before that of the butterfly that,
in my opinion, is the determining factor of the ability of the latter to
establish itself in any new region. In every locality where it has been
noted as more than a casual visitor, it will, I think, be found that
either Asclepias or Gomphocarpus has arrived there before it. Now
both these plants, although troublesome weeds to tropical cultivation
and possessed of decidedly poisonous properties, are sufficiently orna-
mental to cause them to be sometimes grown as garden flowers or
curiosities, and thus they may in some cases be deliberately introduced
into new localities, as Gomphocarpus has been into New Zealand and
the Azores. As regards Asclepias curassavica, it is not easy to fix even
an approximate date for its introduction into the Pacific Islands ; but
U 2
236 [October,
the fact quoted by Mr. Distant from B. Seemann's " Flora Vitiensis,"
p. 161 (1865-73) that it had been recorded from Eromanga, the New
Hebrides, and the Tongan and Society groups, " probably introduced
as not known to the older botanists," seems to show beyond doubt
that it was there at that time awaiting the arrival of the butterfly.
Besides the introduction of the plant by man, intentional or otherwise
(as in the case of New Caledonia, ante, p. 189), it is in itself eminently
adapted for dispersal by natural agencies alone. The seeds are very
minute, and enveloped in a mass of silky down or cotton of the finest
and lightest texture, capable of being blown, if not across the entire
width of the great oceans, still for hundreds of miles before the strong
and steady breezes of the intertropical regions. In one way and
another Asclepias curassavica has already nearly completed the circuit
of the globe, if indeed it has not already done so.
Thus it would appear that human agency has played not a primary,
but at most a secondary part in the dispersal of Danaida plexippus.
Many a time since the butterfly became established in North America
— possibly soon after the glacial epoch — individuals or small companies
have been carried with the aid of the winds to far distant lands, but
these pioneers, failing to find suitable food for their progeny, have
perished without continuing their race. With the great increase of
communication with the Pacific Islands and coasts which commenced
before the middle of the last century, this deficiency has been supplied,
and we now find Danaida plexippus ranging over a greater extent of
the earth's surface than any other butterfly, with one possible ex-
ception. Probably, too, it is only a question of a few years before vast
areas in Asia and Africa, to all appearance as suitable to its existence
as those it has already occupied, will be colonized by this bold and
enterprising insect.
With regard to the probability or otherwise of our butterfly
becoming established in Europe, I have personally no doubt as to its
finding, on the shores of the Mediterranean, a climate and environ-
ment eminently suited to its requirements, in the event of its reaching
that region under favourable conditions at any future time. Even if
Asclepias curassavica, which, as we have already seen {ante, p. 193), had
more than twenty years ago spread as far as the Suez Canal, should
from any cause fail to obtain a footing farther westward, an acceptable
food-plant is available in the closely allied Gomphocarpus fruticosus.
This plant, widely distributed in Africa, is also found in Syria and
Asia Minor, and I saw it many years ago growing freely in the region
19H.] _ 237
of the Dardanelles. Of the other European members of the same
Natural Order, Periploca grseca, L., extends throughout the Mediter-
ranean region as far west as the Rock of Gibraltar, and Vincetoxicum
officinale, Moench, is found throughout the warmer parts of the
Continent, reaching as far north as Denmark and Sweden. As, more-
over, according to Saunders (Scudder, I.e. p. 737), the larva has been
discovered on Apocynum androssemifolium, L., it is quite possible that
the well-known Nerium oleander, and the "periwinkles," Vinca major
and V. minor, also members of the Natural Order Apocynacese, would
not be refused. In captivity at any rate the larva appears to adapt
itself to an even more unlikely pabulum. Dr. Seitz states (Macro-
Lep. Pal. Eegion, I, p. 76), "I have always found the larva at large
on Asclepias, but young caught caterpillars accept as food also lettuce,
thriving very well on such food." It is in the highest degree im-
probable, though, that the insect would take to this food of its own
free will. Although both the above-mentioned species of Vinca are
common enough in the South of England, I greatly fear that the
capricious nature of our climate, especially as regards summer tempera-
ture, will effectually prevent the establishment of Danaida plexippus
as a resident in our Islands.
In the accompanying sketch-map I have endeavoured to mark the
progress of Danaida plexippus across the oceans, by means of the
dates on which it was first recorded from the stations (marked with
a small cross) mentioned in the preceding pages of this paper. The
figures indicating the century are omitted, and the approximate
limits of the range of the butterfly in North and South America are
shown by dotted lines.
Aorangi, Lonsdale Koad,
Summertown, Oxford :
August, 1914.
A NOTE ON OREOPSYCHE PYRENAELLA, H.-S.
BY T. A. CHAPMAN, M.D., F.Z.S.
Plate XI.
I had the pleasure of renewing my acquaintance with this
species last July (1914) at Gavarnie. I had previously found it there
in 1907. In that year the cases were abundant in a small and defined
area near the entrance of the Val d'Ossoue. In 1914 I looked over
this area carefully and could find only one or two examples, but not
238 [October,
very far off, in areas approximately of similar extent to the 1907 locality
it was common, but not, perhaps, so abundant as I had seen it in
1907. I think I may say that the 1914 area was practically un-
inhabited by full-grown cases of the species in 1907. I did not, of
course, in 1907, go over the 1914 locality, saying I will take a note
of this against what I may find in 1914, but I did go over much of it
in order to gain some idea of the limitations of the distribution of
the species in 1907.
I may add that in both years I met with a very few cases less
than half grown that no doubt dated from the preceding year, and
would mature in the following one. These small cases were very in-
conspicuous, and most examples were probably close to the ground
under the herbage, so that they were probably abundant though I saw
so few.
These facts strongly support the observations of M. Eondou, that
this and other species of Psychids in the GTavarnie district have a life
cycle of two years, and that in alternate years they appear to be absent
from localities where they are not uncommon. As regards pyrenaella,
there are localities where it occurs in the even years (1914) and others
where it occurs in the odd years (as in 1907).
In the Val d'Ossoue it would appear that thei-e is an even year
area in close proximity to an odd year one. Of course, my observations,
with a seven years' interval between them, might be explained in various
other ways, but the one suggested agrees with M. Eondou's prolonged
studies of these Psychids in this and other portions of this very
interesting district.
I may digress so far as to express a wish that M. Eondou would
publish some of the many interesting facts as to the insects of the
central Pyrenees with which he is familiar. For example, several years
ago I worked out a good deal of the life-history of L. orbitulus, and
was unaware that its food-plant was known. M. Eondou had, however,
found the larva on Androsace (Gregoria) vitaliana, and had bred it some
years before.
These instances of species being common in alternate years and
absent in the intermediate ones, which are recorded of various
Lejndoptera besides these Psychids (the 17 year Cicada is an extreme
example of the same phenomenon), seem difficult to understand, since we
know that many species easily add a year to the time necessary to their
transformation, and one would suppose that the species would be
191*.] o;u)
equally common every yeai\ although those of alternate years were not
immediately descended from each other.
In the case before us, how do the races of the alternate years
avoid invading the territory of each other. In ordinary cases, one is
inclined to suppose that some climatic or other accident has temporarily
decimated one of the alternate sets, and does so sufficiently often to
keep up the appearance of alternation, just as we know that ordinary
single-brooded forms are often wiped out in certain localities for often
a great number of consecutive years.
When full-fed the larva of 0. pyrenaeUa fixes the case amongst
the upper parts of the herbage ; covers it with a coating of silk, which
forms a sort of cocoon with the case inside and secures it in its position.
The male examples then moult, extruding the cast skins from the free
end of the case. This cast skin usually falls to the ground, but
occasionally remains entangled in the opening or amongst the silk of
the cocoon.
The head and plates of the larva are now of quite a delicate
structure compared with their previous strength and solidity. The
females do not do so, but moult to pupa from the ordinary larval skin.
The males fix themselves up for pupation quite a week or ten days
before the females, possibly more.
This extra prepupal moult of the males was first observed by
Zeller in 1847 and has since been shown to occur in a number of
Macropsycliids. There is some reason to suppose that it takes place
in all the Macropsycliids, in so far, that so far as I am aware, its
absence has not been shown in the case of any species. I think it has
not previously been demonstrated in the instance before us.
It is very difficult to form any opinion as to the use of this extra
moult, and why it should occur in the males and not in the females.
There is no evidence that it occurs in the females except rarely as an
aberration.
It is precisely similar to the extra moult that occurs in Graci-
lariids ( Phyllocnistis) and to that in Hastula hyerana. In the latter
case the larva in its prepupal instar does some actual spinning within
its cocoon, and spends several months aestivating thereafter, and we
may well suppose that the prepupal instar is fitted for this resting
condition in a special way, that is absent in the feeding larva.
The larva3 of these Psychids seem to be identical in the two sexes
as regards skin panoply, though the male may be rather smaller.
240 [October,
I have not met with any account of breeding any of these species
from the egg, to ascertain the precise number of moults that occur.
It is just possible that the smaller male is full grown one instar earlier
than the female, but has been unable to drop the superfluous moult,
and puts it in in this way. Orgyia antiqua is in the position of
requiring one less moult in the male than in the female, but the super-
fluous moult is entirely absent in the male. Again, the male pupa
(and imago) is much less bulky than the female, the extra moult may
be of use in reducing the male to these smaller dimensions.
I add photographs of a prepared skin of the full-grown Jarva
(fig. 1), of the skin cast at pupation by the female (fig. 4), and of the
two skins cast by the male, one on spinning up (fig. 2), and the other
(fig. 3) on pupating. It can be gathered from these figures that in
the instance of any other Psychid, if a male and female case be opened
after pupation (and at any time after) and the cast skins in the male
and female differ as figs. 3 and 4 differ, it may be inferred that
this extra male moult obtains, and it should thus be easy to extend
our knowledge as to how far this curious habit is general.
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE X.
Fig. 1. — Prepared skin of full-grown larva of Oreopsyche pyrenaella X 10.
Fig. 2. — Skin cast on spinning wp by $ larva X tl\.
Fig. 3. — „ „ pupation of „ X ti\.
Fig. 4.— „ „ „ „ ? „ X 7i.
The three latter figures, of course, reproduce the imperfections due to the
difficulty of unravelling cast skins.
Betula, Eeigate :
September, 1914.
MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA IN THE OXFOED DISTRICT.
BY B. G. E. WATERS, M.A.
Having collected Micro- Lepidoptera in this district more or less
persistently since 1911, I submit a list of the more interesting Pyra-
lides, Pterophori, Crambi, and Tortrices which have come to my notice.
My observations cover Oxford itself, the surrounding country to a
distance of six or eight miles, and the chalk downs of Oxfordshire and
Berkshire from Chinnor to Wantage.
In Oxford itself I have taken : — Pyralis lienigialis, Z., one fine specimen on
a telegraph-pole by the canal, May 9th, 1912, an unusually early date for this
i9i*.] 241
rare species ; Scoparia angustca, Steph., Uedya aceriana, Dup., H. neglectana,
Dup., Ephestia elutella, Hb., ;ill in good numbers ; Bactra furfurana, Haw., one ;
Scoparia pallida, Steph., Paraponyx stratiotata, L., Schcenobius forficellus, Thnnb.,
all common enough by the canal and elsewhere.
In the immediate neighbourhood of Oxford, taking a radius of about three
miles, I have found the following insects, besides most of those already men-
tioned:—on the Berkshire side: Crambus falsellus, Schiff., Myelophila cribrum,
L., locally plentiful ; Penthina fuligana, Hb., Orthotsenia striana, Schiff., Cato-
ptria expallidana, Haw., Eupcecilia rupicola, Curt.,* Argyrolepia cnicana, Dbld.,
Conchylis dilucidana, Steph., all in numbers ; Sciaphila abrasana, Dup.,* a few ;
S. conspersana, Dough, Eupcecilia hybridella, Hb.* one each, and the beautiful little
Stigmonota pallifrontana, Z.,* very local, and only found near its food-plant,
Astragalus glycyphyllos, but flying plentifully round bushes in the afternoon
sunshine ; on the Oxfordshire side, Acentropus niveus, 01., sometimes seen
(though rarely to be caught) along the canal, Schcenobius mucronellus, Schiff.,
Sideria achat ana, F., Psedisca semifuscana, Steph., Semasia spiniana, Dup.,
Choreutes myllerana, F., all locally common ; Ephippiphora signatana, Dough,
not uncommon ; Psedisca oppressana, Tr., Eupcecilia udana, Gn., Argyro-
lepia zephyrana, Tr., these three more sparingly ; and on both sides of the
county border, Peronea schalleriana , L., P. comparana, Hb., Penthina ochro-
leucana, Hb., P. marginana, Haw., Spilonota rossecolana, Dbld., S. roborana, Tr.,
S. trimaculana, Haw., Sericoris rivulana, Sc, S. urticana, Hb., Sciaphila nubi-
lana, Hb., S. chrysanthemana, Dup., Semasia ianthinana, Dup., Stigmonota
compositella, F., S. roseticolana, Z., Endopisa nigricana, Steph., Dicrorampha
consortana, Wilk., Trycheris aurana, F., Eupcecilia maculosana, Haw., all well
distributed and sometimes common ; Sphaleroptera ictericana, Haw., Pyrodes
rhediella, CI., Dicrorampha alpinana, Tr., D. politana, Hb., D. sequana, Hb.,
D. acuminatana, Z., D. simpliciana, Haw., all locally plentiful ; Conchylis
smeathmanniana, F., C. straminea, Haw.,* these two scarcer than the others ;
Nomophila noctuella, Schiff., and Scopula ferrugalis, Hb., are common' in some
years, but in others are almost or quite absent.
To the west of Oxford, in the northernmost part of Berkshire, Bagley,
Wytham and Tubney Woods and the wooded districts around them are rich in
Micro-Lepidoptera. Periniphele lancealis, Schiff.,* is common at Tubney ; Phycis
adornatella, Tr., at Wytham ; Cryptoblabesbistriga, Haw., occurs at Bagley, and
Alispa angustella, Hb.,* at Wytham. Many " Plumes " are common in restricted
localities; Platyptilia bertrami, Bsh, P. gonodactyla, Schiff., Amblyptilia teucrii,
Gr., Mimsescoptilus phseodactylus, Hb., M. bipunctidactyla, Haw., (Edematophorus
lithodactylus, Tr., Leioptilus microdactylies, Hb., L. lienigianus, Z.,* and Aciptilia
galactodactyla, Hb. The two last named are most easily obtained in the larval
stage. L, microdactylies sometimes flies in profusion at Tubney on favourable
afternoons. The curious little Chrysocoris festaliella, Hb., occurs in various
places, and at any time of the year from April to August. Nephopteryx spissi.
cella, F., Rhodophsea consociella^h., B. tumidella, Zinck., Hedya servillana,Dup.,
Penthina gentianana, Hb., Capua favillaceana, Hb., Phoxopteryx mitterpacheriana,
Schiff., Grapholitha obtusana, Haw., Phlcsodes immundana, F.E., Psedisca solan-
242 [October,
driana, L., P. profundana, F., Coccyx splendidulana, Gn., Catoptria albersana,
Hb., and Argyrolcpia hartmanniana, L., arc all pretty general. Roxana arcuana,
CI., is common at Bagley, and at Tubney may sometimes be beaten out in clouds
from the branches of certain oak-trees. Spruce-cones gathered anywhere in the
district will produce large numbers of Coccyx strobilella, L.,# while C. tsedella,
CI., and C. nanana, Tr. (as well as the " Spruce Pug," Eupithecia pusillata, F.),
are plentiful. Phoxopteryx diminutana, Haw., occurs at Tubney, and in larger
numbers at Wytham ; Lobesia reliquana, Wilk., is fairly common at Bagley ;
and Eiipcecilia rupicola, Curt., and E. notulana, Z., are plentiful at Tubney.
Other records from Tubney and its neighbourhood are : Paedisca rubiginosana,
H-S.,* Stigmonota regiana, Z., Argyrolcpia cnicana, Dbld., Phoxopteryx lactana, F.,
all in good numbers, Phtheochroa rugosana, Hb., Carpocapsa splendana, Hb.,
Stigmonota nitidana, F. ; from Wytham : Pxdisca occultana, Wilk., Carpocapsa
grossana, Haw., Sciaphila sinuana, Steph., Crambus selasellus, Hb., Hedya
lariciana, Z., Eupcecilia roseana, Haw., the last two in good numbers ; and from
Boar's Hill : Ephippiphora fcenella, L., Stigmonota, internana. Gn., Eupcecilia
nana. Haw., all commonly, and a single specimen of Phlceodes demarniana, F.E.*
I have taken Stigmonota coniferana, Ratz., on the downs near Wantage.
On a few occasions I have collected at the eastern end of the Berkshire
Downs ; but as this district has been worked by others much more thoroughly
than by me, I content myself with recording Dicrorampha senectana, Gn.* from
Streatley.
In looking over this year's captures, I have just had my attention drawn to
a few specimens of a beautiful Sericoris fi'om Wytham, which I had hitherto
thought to be particularly fine examples of S. urticana, Hb. On closer inspec-
tion I find that they are not urticana, but S. cespitana, Hb.* — usually a coast
insect, and an interesting addition to the Berkshire list.
On the Oxfordshire side, Bladon Heath, near Woodstock, appears to be a new
locality for Coccyx pygmseana, Hb., which is rather common, though confined to
a small area. Other Tortrices from the same place are Capua favillaceana, Hb.,
Eupcecilia ciliella, Hb. (common throughout the Oxford district), and Coccyx
strobilella, L.
The Chiltern Hills between Chinnor and Goring are a fine hunting ground,
offering extensive tracts of open down, as well as many miles of woodland, of
beech, and other trees, with here and there rough slopes and lmshy places. I
am best acquainted with the Watlington and Chinnor districts, but have also
made expeditions to the country round Ipsden and Nettlebed. On the open
downs, Ennychia nigrata, Sc, and E. cingulata, L., are common in places, and
the same may be said of Oncocera ahenella, Hb., Oxyptilus parvidactylus, Haw.,
Mimseseoptilus phseodactylus, Hb., M. bipunctidactylus, Haw., and Aciptilia tetra-
dactyla, L. An occasional Phycis omatella, Schiff., may be found among swarms
of P. adornatella, Tr. The Tortrices most in evidence are Eriopselafractifasciana>
Haw., Argyrolepia subbaumanniana, Wilk., Peronea aspersana, Hb., Phoxopteryx
comptana, Frol., Chrosis alcella, Schulz, Orthotse7iia striana, Schiff., and Aphelia
otseana, Sc, all of which are plentiful. The following insects occur in rough fields
ww-] 213
and bushy places : — Botys pandalis, Hb., B. hyalinalis, Hb., Crambus pinellus, L.,
Euchromia purpurana, Haw., Grnpholitha nigromaculana, Haw., Bicrorampha
consortana, Wilk., Argyrolepia zephyr ana, Tr., Conchylis dilucidana, Steph.,
Semasia rufillana, Wilk., all common locally ; Eupaxilia atricapitana, Steph.,
common near Watlington ; E. implicit ana, Wk., one at Highmore ; Homozosoma
binsevella, Hb., Watlington ; Spilodes verticalis, L., Phoxopteryx derasana, Hb.,
Dicrorampha acuminatana, Z., and Xanthosetia. zcegana, L. In the beech-woods
Carpocapsa grossana, Haw., Stigmonota flexana, Z., Peronea sponsana, F., and
Capua favillaceana, Hb., are common, and each may be found at times in extreme
abundance. The following also occur in woods : — Psedisca ratzeburgiana, Rtz.,
at Wyfold; Scoparia truncicolella, Stt., at Chinnor ; S. cembrse, Haw., Caloptria
albersana, Hb., and Lobesia reliquana, "Wilk., at Watlington.
In the course of various expeditions to the downs near Chinnor, I have
several times collected in localities near Stokenchurch, just across the Bucking-
hamshire boundary. As the List of Micro-Lepidoptera contained in the Victoria
County History of Buckinghamshire is very inadequate, I give a list of the species
I have noted there : — Pyralis glaucinalis,Ij., one; Ennychia nigrata, Sc, plentiful ;
Scoparia cembrse, Haw., Oxyptilus parvidactylus, Haw.,* Mimseseoptilus pterodac-
tylus, L.,* Aciptilia baliodactyla, Z.,* Crambus trist ellus, F.,* C. geniculeus, Haw.,*
Rhodophsea suavella, Zk.,* Peronea variegana, Hb.,* P. schalleriana, L.,* P. com-
parand, Hb.,* P. aspersana, Hb.,* Teras contaminana, Hb.,* Spilonotaincarnatana,
Hb.,* S. roborana, Hb.,* Orthotxnia striana, Schiff.,* Hedya ocellana, F.,*
Phoxopteryx derasana, Hb.,* P. lundana, F., P. comptana, Frol., Grapholitha
nsevana, Hb.,* Eriopsela fractifasciana, Haw., Stigmonota flexana, Z.,* S. roseti-
colana, Z.,* Catoptria cana, Haw.,* C. hypericana, Hb.,* Eupozcilia angustana,
Tr.,* E. ciliella, Hb.,* Chrosis alcella, Schulz.,* C. rutilana, Hb.,* and Argyrolepia
subbaumanniana, Wilk. Ml the Tortrices in the above list occur in fair numbers.
The most interesting of them are undoubtedly S. incarnatana and C. rutilana ;
I am curious to know if the latter has been taken elsewhere in this part of
England.
An asterisk (*) has been appended to the names of such species observed in
Berkshire and Bxxckinghamshire as are not included in the lists of Lepidoptera
published in the Victoria History of these counties.
If I have included many common insects among those mentioned
above, it is in the hope that they may help to swell a future list of
Bucks Lepidoptera.
40, Leckford Road,
Oxford .-
September ISth, 1914.
244 [October,
DIPTERA FEOM THE NEIGHBOUEHOOD OF MAELBOEOUGH,
INCLUDING ONE SPECIES NEW TO BEITAIN.
BY T. W. KIRKPATRICK.
The following is a list of some of the less common Diptera which
I have taken this year within a radius of ten miles from Marlborough,
Wilts. In addition to these I am able to record a species taken
several years ago, which is new to the British list.
Trichocera hirtipennis, Siebke : I have not taken this myself, but an example
was captured by Mr. E. Meyrick on July 3rd, 1902, at Marlborough, which
Mr. Collin kindly identified as this species. It is an interesting addition to the
list of British Diptera.
Odontomyia argentata, Fab. : 1 $ on Ranunculus blossoms in marshy ground
at Chilton Foliat, 14.5.14.
Stratiomys potamida, Meig. : 1 ? , 4.7.14; 2 <J, 1 ?, 14.7.14. on the flowers
of large Umbelliferge (Heracleum) near the Eiver Kennet, at Marlborough.
Leptogaster guttiventris, Zett. : 1 ? among low herbage, 23.6.14. at
Marlborough.
Dioctria celandica, L. : common in the West Woods in June and early
July. Its prey seemed to consist, in all the cases I observed, of Pipunculus
campestris, Latr.
Isopogon brevirostris, Meig. : Abundant from July 4th to 20th in one very
limited locality at the edge of a cornfield, near Marlborough.
Anthrax cingulatus, Meig. : 1 $ on Umbelliferse in a hedge at the foot of
chalk downs, Marlborough, 20.7.14.
Neurigona suturalis, Fin. : 2 $ <j> , taken on Rhamnus, 4. 7. 14. near
Marlborough.
Dolichopus planitarsis, Fin. : This species was common on alder leaves at
Chilton Foliat on May 14th. It is generally considered somewhat rare, but is
probably only overlooked, as it only occurs in early spring, and a week later
had entirely disappeared.
B. longitarsis, Stan. : A pair in the same locality as the last, July 11th.
Campsicnemus curvipes, Fin. : I took an example on the window of an out-
house in Marlborough on February 2nd this year. A curious place and date.
Orthoneura brevicornis, Lw. : 1 $ , May 14th, on Ranunculus at Chilton
Foliat.
0. nobilis, Fin. : 1 $ on Umbelliferse at the edge of West Woods, July 2nd.*
This locality is not near any such marshy ground as is usually frequented by
species of Orthoneura and Chry so g aster.
Chilosia vulpina, Meig. : 1 $ , 26.5.14: In Henswood, near Marlborough, and
two other males on July 7th and 8th.
1914-] 245
C. mutabilis, Fin. : A rather small and dark $ on July 25th, near
Savernake Forest.
Ischyrosyrphus laternarius, Miiller : This was quite common during July on
TJmbelliferaz in the same locality in which Stratiomys potamida, Mg. occurred.
Platychirus fulviventris, Meig. : Not at all uncommon in June and July in
the marsh at Chilton Foliat, but exceedingly local.
Syrphus lunulatus, Meig. : 1 ?, 26.5.14, Henswood ; 1 $, 10.6.14, Savernake.
This species is not generally common in the south of England, though more
frequent in the north.
S. nigricornis, VeiT. : 1 <$ , 1.6.14, West "Woods; the specimen was hovering
over Ranunculus.
S. diaphanus, Zett. : 1 $ on the 9th of July, in Stype Wood ; another $? on
the 20th of July, near Marlborough. Both were on Umbelliferw ; the latter
specimen along with hundreds of S. ribesii and S. vitripennis, among which more
examples of this interesting Syrphid may very probably have escaped my notice.
S. labiatarum, Verr. : the females were not very uncommon on Umbelliferse,
but I only took one male.
S. umbellatarum, Fab. : 3 ? , 4 — 15.7.14. These- three specimens, which
came from the same locality near Marlborough, though having a brightly
shining thorax, differ fx'om the ordinary $ S. umbellatarum, by having those
parts of the frons which are as a rule purplish or blue, shining black.
Volucella bombylans Jj.: 2 beautiful $ $ of Zetterstedt's var. hsemorrhoidalis,
var. b, on June 19th and July 6th.
Merodon equestris, F., var. narcissi, F. : 1 $ of this form at Manningford,
13.6.14. There is a small bulb-farm not far distant.
Helophilus frutetorum, Fab. .- 1 $ , 1 2 , on the blossoms of Bhamnus cath-
aHicus, 2 and 14.6.14, Marlborough. It occurred together with the somewhat
commoner H. versicolor.
Criorrhina floccosa, Meig. : 1 $ , 12.6.14, West Woods, where I have also
taken C. oxyacanthx and C. asilica ; all three species on the blossoms of Eubus.
Exorista vetula, Meig. : 2.5.14, West Woods.
Hyetodesia variegata, Meig. : 9.5.14, near Marlborough.
Rhacochlsena toxoneura, Lw. : 1.6.14, West Woods ; 1 $ , on Salix.
The capture of 2 $ ? of Chrysotoxum odomacidatum, Curtis, at
Chippenham Fen, Cambridgeshire, on July 28th, may also be worth
recording, as this is, I believe, quite a new locality for this species.
The Deanery, Ely :
September, 1914.
()4(> [October,
NOTE ON DIAZOSMA (TBICHOCEBA) HIBTI/'ENNIS, Siebke.
BY J. E. COLLIN, F.E.S.
This species stands in the Palaearctic Catalogue under the generic
name Diazovna, Walleng., but this name being preoccupied in the
Mollusca, Bergroth (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist,, 1913, p. 583) has changed
it to Diazosma. The female ovipositor, composed of small fleshy-
pubescent lobes, is so completely different to the chitinous pointed
ovipositors of Trichocera that the doubts expressed by Osten-Sacken
(1887) as to the generic distinctness of the species may well be con-
sidered as removed. It has previously been recorded from only Norway
and different parts of Austria. Mr. Kirkpatrick has very kindly
allowed me to add the above British specimen to my collection.
Sussex Lodge, Newmarket :
September 9th, 1914.
CMonotopus, an unrecorded genus of Coleoptera. — Owing to a curious mistake
on the part of its author, Abeille cle Perrin, the genus CMonotopus has been
overlooked and is not found in any of the successive issues of the " Nomenclator
Zoologicus."
In 1891 he described the genus CMonotopus (Ann. Soc. ent. France, 60,
p. 179) and there stated that he had named and described the genus in Ann.
Soc. ent. France, 1881, p. 125. This, however, he had not done : he there merely-
described two species as MalacMus damascenus and mossulensis, and says not a
word as to their being a distinct genus, but at the bottom of p. 126 he says he
thinks it may be a distinct group to be separated from MalacMus and called
CMonotopus. The reference for this name will therefore be " Abeille de Perrin,
Ann. Soc. ent. France, 51, 1881,p. 126."— D. Sharp, Brockenhurst: Sept. 22nd, 1914
Criocephalus ferus, Kraatz, at Oxford. — On August 21st my friend Mr. T.
Trollope, of Summertown, Oxford, said he had a " curious beetle " to show me.
Not expecting anything rare, I was surprised and pleased when the insect was
produced, to find that it was a fine and perfect living $ specimen of Criocephalus
ferus, Kraatz, a very welcome addition to the local list of Coleoptera. The
beetle was taken by Mr. Trollope's daughter on August 19th, on a window-
curtain in his house, and must have come from some distance, as there are very
few pine-trees in the neighbourhood of Oxford in which it may have bre'd. —
J. Collins, 74, Islip Road, Sunnymeade, Oxford : September 1st, 1914.
Note on a dark form of Hydrothassa marginella, L.,from Killarney. — Amongst
some Coleoptera sent me from Killarney during the present year by Mr. E. Bullock
WW.] 247
there is a female example of this species wanting the reddish-yellow margin to
the thorax and elytra ; it has the outer limb of the latter brassy, and of the
same colour as the head, thorax, and scutellum, and the rest of the elytra
greenish. Fowler states that varieties of both H. aucta, F., and H. marginella,
L., occur rarely with obscure side-margins, but I have never seen an example of
either of these species tlms coloured. Weise notices a form of H. aucta (var.
a, glabra, Herbst) with the outer limb of the elytra piceo-isneous ; but the only
variety of H. marginella described by him is nigro-cceruleous with the margins
of the elytra yellowish-red. Mr. Bullock's specimen was taken from moss last
January. — G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : September 12th, 1914.
Lsemophlwus ater, 01., in pine and beech. — This species, as far as my experi-
ence goes, is usually found in stems of furze or broom, in burrows of Phlceoph-
thorus, but this year T have taken it from beneath beech bark at Guildford and
from pine at Chobham. It is evident, therefore, that L. ater accompanies more
than one genus and species of Scolytidie. In 1898, Mr. Lloyd and myself found
it in abundance in furze at Chilbolton, Hants (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1898, p. 113), and
I have also recorded it from beech, from Spain. — G. C. Champion.
A few Coleoptera, fyc, from Grey well, Hants. — My friend Mr. Barton has
recorded several interesting beetles from this locality (Ent. Mo. Mag., 1910,
p. 190). The following additional species have since been captured at the same
place by Mr. Barton, my son, or myself. Odacantha melanura, Oodes helopioides,
Silis ruficollis, Anthocomus rufus, Ceuthorrhynchus nasturtii, Cionus tuberculosus,
Apion vicinum, Hypocyptus discoideus, Stilbus oblongus, Haltica lythri, Liburnia
longipennis. Some of these insects were captured during a joint unprofitable
excursion on August 29th. The marshy ground where these species occur is
suggestive of the fens, and this is exemplified by the presence of the Anthocomus
and Silis. — G. C. Champion.
Dryophihis anobioides, Chevr., near Brandon, Suffolk. — My friends Messrs.
Claude Morley and Ernest Elliott found this rare species at Palmer's Heath,
near Brandon, in June last. It occurred in some numbers by beating fir
boughs about nine feet from the ground ; few specimens were taken owing to
its having been unfortunately mistaken in the field for the common D. pusillus.
Gyll., this latter being frequent here. The disparity in size of the specimens
was most remarkable, even for the Anobiidse, and did not depend on sex, the
smaller male specimens being less than half the length of the larger. Mulsant
(Op. Ent. XIII, 1863) states that the insect is found on Pinus sylvestris, which
the above capture confirms.— E. A. Newbery, 13, Oppidans Eoad, N.W. : Sept-
ember 9th, 1914.
Quedius puncticollis, Thorns., accompanying Lasius fuliginosus, Latr. — I have
on several occasions recently taken Quedius puncticollis, Thorns. — a well-known
denizen of wasps' nests — with Lasius fuliginosus, near Cothill, Berks, under
04 u [October,
conditions which ied me to suppose that it is a true inmate of the nest of this
ant, like Q. brevis, which occurred in its company, as well as Microglossa
gentilis, Mark, (not rare), three species of Myrmeclonia, &c. This particular
nest has for two or three years past produced in large numbers two beetles not
usually associated with L.fuliginosus, viz., Heterothops nigra, Kr., and Myceto-
phagus quadriguttatus, Mull. ; Microglossa suturalis, Sahib., is usually present
in plenty. My friend Mr. J. Collins also took Q. puncticollis in another nest of
L.fuliginosus some time ago. — James J. Walker, Oxford : September 8th, 1914.
A melanic form of Galerucella tenella, L. — On August 29th I swept off meadow-
sweet (Spirsea ulmaria) at Cothill a specimen of this common species, entirely
pitchy-black with the exception of the femora, which are somewhat lighter in
colour, and the pubescence, which is of the normal pale-brown hue and gives
the insect a peculiar mealy appearance. Except for the difference in outline,
it is curiously like a small G. fergussoni, Fowler. Further search on the same
ground has up to the present failed to produce any further examples of this
interesting form. — James J. Walker : September, 1914.
Species of Cionus on Buddleia globosa. — At the beginning of last month a
neighbour called my attention to a large shrub of the Chilean Buddleia globosa
in his garden, the leaves of which were covered with brown blotches due to the
parenchyma having been eaten away by some insect. Suspecting the cause, I
shook the shrub into an umbrella with the immediate result of a crowd of Cionus
pulchellus, Hbst., and its larva ; this being a species I have hitherto found only
on the small figwort, Scrophularia nodosa, growing in shady places in woods.
Two other species of the genus, C. scrophularise, L., and C. blattarise, F., were
also present, but in much smaller numbers ; the former has already been
recorded by Mr. W. D. E. Douglas (Ent. Mo. Mag., vol. xxxii, p. 179) as having
been found on Buddleia globosa in the South of Scotland. The genus BuddJeia
is now referred to the Natural Order Loganiacese, but until quite recently it
was included in the Scrophularia cese ; so these weevils have showed themselves
to be good practical botanists in their selection of this shrub as a '• substitute "
food-plant. A day or two ago I was informed by a nurseryman that his young
plants of Buddleia globosa had been so much injured by the ravages of
" beetles " in the early summer, that he had been on the point of uprooting
them all. On examining the new growth of the plants I at once found Cionus
pulchellus, which appears in this case to have been the sole culprit, as my
informant said that the " beetles " were all of one kind. — James J. Walker :
September 20th, 1914.
Buddleia as an attraction to Lepidoptera.—Th.e Buddleia magnifica of the
nurserymen's catalogues — which is, I believe, a comparatively new cultivated
form of the Chinese B. variabilis, Hemsl. — appears to possess attractions to the
Diurnal Lepidoptera superior to those of any plant I have ever seen, with the
possible exception of the Verbenaceous Lantana camara, L., now so universally
distributed throughout the warmer parts of the world. Its large racemes of
ion.] 249
showy mauve-purple flowers are especially favoured by the Vanessidse, and during
the recent hot weather of August and September, two shrubs in a nursery garden
which I pass almost daily, within a few feet of the main road, as well as one in a
garden close to my house, have been visited by these biitterflies in such numbers
as to be a very conspicuous and pleasing sight. Four or five specimens of Pyra-
meis atalanta, which appears to be more than usually plentiful this year, were
sometimes to be seen on a single raceme of the Buddleia, and Aglais urticse,
which after more than a year of scarcity is now on the wing in its normal
abundance, has been even more numerous on the flowers than the " Red Admiral."
Vanessa io, which is much less common than usual this season, has been seen
once or twice only. Pyrameis cardui is also an occasional visitor ; this species
has been commoner this year than I have ever known it to be previously
at Oxford, and the brood resulting from the immigrant specimens observed in
fair numbers in June is now very much in evidence in the lucerne and clover
fields throughout the district, the specimens being very fine and unusually
rosy in tint. The common " Whites " show an equal liking for the Buddleia
flowers, and the shrub is one well worth growing, not only for its own sake, but
for the beauty of the picture of butterfly life that it presents while it is in
bloom. I have had no opportunity of examining the flowers after dark, but
have no doubt as to their equal attractiveness to night-flying Lepidoptera. I
may add that when I was at Hong-Kong many years ago, I found the white-
flowered Buddleia asiatica, Lour., to be one of the most attractive plants to
butterflies in the " Happy Valley " gardens, and noted it as the special favourite
of the beautiful little long-tailed Papilionid Leptocircus curius, F. (cf. Trans.
Ent. Soc, 1895, p. 472).— James J. Walker : September 19th, 1914.
Further British records of Danaida plexippus. — In connection with Com-
mander Walker's interesting article on this butterfly I may mention that some
years ago I bought in a small curiosity shop in Weymouth the wings of a
specimen of Danaida plexippus, mounted on a square of card under glass and
labelled in front " Danais plexippus, Weymouth, 1899," and on the back
" Danais plexippus. Taken by George and John Joliffe on Weymouth College
Cricket Grotind, 1899." I have ascertained that boys of this name were at the
School, and think there can be little doubt of the correctness of the label. The
wings are in good condition, but probably the body, &c , had been eaten by
mites, and the wings only preserved. The small dealer (in old china, furniture,
etc. — not Natural History) from whom I purchased it knew nothing about the
insect and only asked sixpence for it.
I have also a specimen taken by my late friend Mr. H. W. Vivian in
Teneriffe, on March 21st, 1890. I remembered Mr. Vivian telling me that he
had taken a specimen in England, and on enquiry find that in his British
collection, which was after his death presented to, and is now in, the National
Museum of Wales at Cardiff, are two specimens of Danaida plexippus; one
labelled " Glamorgan 9.86, H.W.V.," the other " Cornwall 1886." The first was
the one taken by himself, but of the other neither I nor the Museiun authorities
know the history. I think it is most probably a genuine British capture, as he
250 [October,
was a great deal in Cornwall where his father lived, and I feel sure that it
would not otherwise have been placed in his cabinet with his own specimen. —
Nelson M. Richardson, Montevideo, near Weymouth : September 10th, 1914.
Nomiades semiargus, Rott., in Kent. — Mr. Green's note on' Nomiades semiar-
gus, Rott., induces me at last to place on record a male specimen which I took,
as a young beginner, at the end of July, 1876, while I was catching L. iearus on
some rovigh pastures in south-west Kent, situated in the triangle formed by
Edenbridge, Cowden and Dorman's Land. I had the specimen by me for many
years, but some time ago its skewer-like pin and hopelessly rubbed and fenes-
trated condition, caused me, foolishly enough, to dismiss it from my collection.
The place of capture was situated on the Wealden Clay, far south of the Chalk
range, from which, however, it might have straggled. At the time I wondered
if my school holidays had begun earlier in July I might not have found more
examples. Undoubtedly this species, like other scarce allied forms, could
easily be passed over as a common " Blue." It may not be so completely
extinct in Britain as is generally supposed. — F. H. Haines, Winfrith, Dorset :
September 11th, 1914.
Tortrix pronubana, Hb., in Chiswick. — The first specimen taken here
occurred on July 18th, 1907. It appears this year as if this brightly coloured
species had established itself in the garden. A rather worn female was taken
May 30th. In early August some larvae were found feeding between united leaves
at the ends of shoots of the Bay tree, Laurus nobilis. As no larva? had been noticed
feeding in this manner on this tree, some of these were kept for observation,
They soon spun up and a darkly marked male T. pronubana, was bred on
August 16th. Later three females were bred, the last on September 11th. In
the opposite corner of the garden, imagines were seen September 3rd and 7th,
flying in the morning sunshine. They are very conspicuous on the wing, but
easily lost to sight after they have settled. — Alfred Sich, Corney House,
Chiswick W. : September 16th, 1914.
Abnormal coupling in insects. — One day early in July, on Dartmoor, a pair
of Argynnis aglaia rose in front of me amongst the heather. As their colour
appeared pecrdiar, I followed them up, thinking that one might be an unusual
variety. They were wild, and only after several attempts to get near was I
able to take them on the wing. In the net it was seen that in addition to the
$ and ? aglaia, a $ E.janira was attached to these. In spite of their struggles,
it was only when the ? aglaia was killed, that the janira became detached.
The (J and $ aglaia remained attached for some time after they were killed.
Apparent copulation between extremely different insects would seem to be
very unusual, but in Hymenoptera I have observed two very remarkable
cases : In 1893 I took a $ Nesomimesa hawaiiensis attached to a 9 Crabro haw-
aiiensis, insects so different in build, that coupling would be deemed almost
impossible. In 1911, at Dawlish, I found a $ Andrena albicans firmly attached
to a hibernated ? of Halictus xanthopus. This case is the more remarkable
1914] 251
from the fact that the $ Halicti are fertilized in the summer, and the $ $ all
perish at the approach of winter, the $ $ alone hibernating. In Lepidoptera,
under natural conditions, I have only seen comparatively closely allied species
in copula, e.g., Triphxna comes with T. interjecta, Zygaena lonicerse with Z. fli-
pendulsp, &c. I possess the pair of Bombus terrestris, <j> , and B. lapidarius, <J,
taken in cop. by F. Smith, as recorded by him. — R. C. L. Perkins, M.A., D.Sc,
Paignton : August 12th, 1914.
Abundance of the Gooseberry saw-fly, Pteronus ribesii,Scop. — I wonder if the
Gooseberry saw-fly (Pteronus ribesii) has been unusually abundant in the
country generally this season. Here it has been very destructive, the larvae
often quite defoliating the gooseberry bushes in all the gardens (in several
widely separated out-districts of the town) I have heard anything about. In
my own garden the larvse for the second brood were evidently just hatching at
the time the veiy numerous imagines of Abraxas grossulariata were depositing
their eggs, and by the time the latter were hatched there was little left for them
to feed upon, and they very soon cleared off such leaves as were left. Probably
many thousands have perished, as I think that comparatively few would have
reached the hibernating stage before practically every bush was denuded of
leaf. For some time now nearly all the bushes have the appearance of having
been burnt, not a vestige of green being visible. — Geo. T. Porritt, Hudders-
field : September 7th, 1914.
%zvitw.
"Report and Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society." —
Vol. XLVI, 1913. Cardiff : printed for the Society by William Lewis, Duke
Street. 1914.
In our volume for 1913 (pp. 260-1) we had the pleasure of noticing the
first instalment of the valuable list of Glamorgan Coleoptera by Mr. J. R.
le B. Tomlin embodied in the report of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society for
1912. Their annual volume for last year (pp. 21-51) contains a further portion
of this List, from the Staphylinidx to the Georyssidse inclusive. As the compiler
remarks, the list of Staphylinidse is as yet but a poor one, and systematic col-
lecting in the county would increase it enormously ; it nevertheless includes
the exceedingly rare Philonthus pulius, Nordm., taken on the coast by Messrs.
Tomlin and Allen, besides a considerable number of other interesting species.
In the Clavicorn series of families, too, the coast-frequenting forms are very
well represented. Further " Entomological Notes " (pp. 97-100), including
several interesting additions to the County List of Hymenoptera Aculeata, are
contributed as before by Mr. H. M. Hallett, F.E.S.
V 2
252 [October,
Henry Herbert Lyman, M.A. — This Canadian Lepidopterist and his wife
lost their lives in the appalling disaster that befell the steamer " Empress of
Ireland " in the Eiver St. Lawrence on May 29th last. He was born at Montreal
on December 21st, 1854, and received his early education at the High School
there, taking his B.A. degree at the McGrill University in 1876, and that of M.A.
in 1880. "When he was only eight years of age he is said to have commenced to
observe insects and their ways, and at the time of his death he appears to have
formed one of the finest collections of Lepidoptera in Canada. The North
American species of the genera Colias, Argynnis, Grapta, Chionobas, Haploa,
Hyphantria, Papaipema, Xylina, and Hepialus were especially studied by him.
The first paper from his pen, on the larva and pupa of Grapta interrogationis.
was read at the Meeting of the Entomological Society of Ontario on Oct. 8th,
1875, and altogether 60 papers have been contributed by him to the " Canadian
Entomologist," running over 26 years. In 1895 he was elected Vice-President of
the Ontario Society, and from 1897-1899 served as President. Notwithstanding
his increasing deafness he attended the International Congresses at Brussels
and Oxford, though he could not hear a word of the papers and discussions !
Lyman also occasionally visited the British Museum to compare specimens.
He was elected a Fellow of the Entomological Society of London in 1901. The
above particulars are taken from the account of his life given in the July
number of the " Canadian Entomologist," in which a portrait is also given.
Noddies.
The South London Entomological and Natural Histoky Society .-
Thursday, July 23rd, 1914.— Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
Mr. Newman exhibited larvae of DeilepMla galii reared from ova and a
larva of Acronycta alni. Mr. West, a weevil found in papers from South
Africa. Mr. Curwen, a dwarf Polyommatus iearus measuring 20 mm. in expanse
from Piggott's Hole. Mr. Morford, a bred series of Syntomis %)hegea from ova
laid by a female taken at Isella. Mr. Main, small Psychid larvae in their little
cases which had emerged from a large case (cocoon) from Lugano, with some
larvae of the fire-fly, Luciola italica. Mr. Blair, bred specimens of the beetles,
Crioceris lilii (merdigera, Z.), and of C. merdigera (brunnea, Z.), the larvae of
the former on lilies, of the later on black bryony. Mr. Priske, living larvae and
pupae of the beetle, Melasoma populi. Mr. Morford, the large Saturniids,
Philosamia cynthia and Antherwa pernyi. Mr. Step, on behalf of Mr. West
(Greenwich), a large mass of aberrant growth of twigs of willow, apparently
caused by a species of gall.
August 12th. — The President in the Chair.
Mr. Edwards, the large Saturniids, Anthersea paphia, Automeris illustris,
Citheronia magnifica, Samia angulifera, S. promethea, the Sphingids Oxyambulyx
1914] 253
substrigilis, Psilogramma menephron, and Erebomorpha fulgurita. Mr. Newman,
the pink form of Neuria reticulata from the coast of Co. Cork, and two
forms of the pupa of Selenia lunaria,, the chocolate-coloured hybernating one,
and the bright green 2nd brood one. Mr. A. E. Gibbs, a large Psychid larva
which fed on "sea grape" (Goccoloba uvifera) and sweet lemon (Citrus sp.).
Mr. Curwen, fine series of Apatura iris, A. ilia, with abs. clytie, iliades, and
pallcscens, etc., from Samoussy, near Laon. Mr. C. B. Williams, living larvae
of Saturnia pyri from Syria, and reported finding a mite, Eriophyes, in the
willow galls exhibited at the last meeting. Mr. Main, a living pupa of S. pyri
from Lugano, and eggs of Ascalaphus from S. France. Dr. Chapman, the cases
of a Psychid, Oreopsyche pyrenaella from Gavarnie, Pyrenees, and gave notes on
the life-history of the species. The £ moiilts twice at pupation, the 9 only
once.
August 27th. -Mr. A. E. Gibbs, Vice-President, in the Chair.
Mr. T. W. Hall, aberrations of Polyommatus icarus from Hertford and
Folkestone, including radiated underside, dwarf, brilliant blue $, bleached $ ,
etc., specimens. Dr. Chapman, imagines and parasites of Oreopsyche pyrenaella
with examples of the larval skins moulted at pupation. Mr. Main, insects
found in baskets of cane sugar from Java, including Coleoptera, Blattidse, a
cricket, etc. Mr. Neave, blue <j> aberrations of Polyommatus icarus from Otford,
1st brood, and Chipstead, 2nd brood. Mr. Edwards, examples of the genera
of Rhopalocera, Delias, Metaporia, and Dismorphia.
A discussion took place as to the habit of some species of Lepidoptera to
return again and again to the same spot. Mania maura, Gonepteryx rhamni,
Amphipyra pyramidea, etc., being instanced. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
Entomological Society op London: Wednesday, June 3rd, 1914. —
The Hon. N. C. Rothschild, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Vice-President, in the
Chair.
Mr. Reginald Temperley, l'Aurore, Vevey-la-Tour, Switzerland, was elected
a Fellow of the Society.
Mr. E. E. Green exhibited a living specimen of Raphidia xanthostigma,
taken at light in a house at Camberley, on June 1st ; also an example of Conops
vesicularis, L., caught amongst heather at Camberley on April 29th. Mr. E. A,
Butler, living specimens of Berytus clavipes, Fab., with eggs on leaves of
Ononis ; also on behalf of Mr. W. West, of Lewisham, a $ of Pygolampis
bidentata, Goeze, swept in New Forest, May 22nd, the second recorded British
specimen of this insect. Mr. S. A. Neave, some African Tabanidse bred by him
on his recent visit to Nyasaland on behalf of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology,
and also the larva? of most of these species. Mr. Sich, mines of the larva of
Nepticula acetosse, Stt., in a leaf of Rumex acetosa, L., from Richmond, Surrey.
Mr. J. H. Durrant, an Ichneumon which he had captured in a mill in Bermondsey
on the 5th of December, 1913, and which had been identified by Mr. Claude
Morley as Nemeritis canescens, Gravenh., and which had not been recorded as
254 [October,
British. Mr. C. F. M. Swyrmerton read notes on the families reared from the
eggs laid by known females of Papilio dardanus, Brown, at Chirinda, S. E.
Rhodesia. Prof. Poulton read some observations by Mr. W. A. Lambom on the
retention of spaces for the " tails " in the pupse of the tailless females of Papilio
dardanus. He also exhibited all the female offspring, together with 2 of the
males, of a family containing nine hippocoon and eight dionysus bred from a
hippocoon female of Papilio dardanus in S. Nigeria by W. A. Lambom. Also a
male and female Hypolimnas ivahlbergi, taken in coitu, on December 28th, 1913,
by Mr. E. E. Piatt, of 403, Essenwood Road, Durban, together with a portion of
the family reared from the eggs laid by the female. Also bred imagines and
pupal cases of Amauris ochlea, A. echeria, and A. albimaculata, and blown larvae
of the first and last named sent by Mr. E. E. Piatt, and 36 Mylabris fasciata
taken on September 24th and 26th, 1913, at Moor Plantation, near Ibadan, by
Mr. W. A. Lamborn The series was sharply divided into a light section con-
taining 28 individuals and a dark section containing 8.
The following paper was read: — "Notes on the Life-History of Papilio
demolion," by Margaret E. Fountaine, F.E.S. — Geo. Wheeler, Hon. Secretary.
COLEOPTERA IN THE ABERDEEN DISTRICT.
BY MAJOR A. O. C. WATSON, R.A. M.C.
The following list includes the most interesting Coleoptera selected
from a total of 413 species observed by me within a radius of twelve
miles from Aberdeen, between 1910 and 1914.
Cychrus rostratus, L., rare and occasional ; one under a stone at Lairston
Loch, 8.7.11. Carabus nemoralis, Mull., common and general from early spring
to autumn ; C. violaceus, L., very rare, one specimen in stump of Scots fir, Hazel-
head, 1.4.11 ; C. nitens, L., occasional, one found by Wm. Cowie of Inverurie
on Scotston Moor, in August 1898, and another found in a Black-headed Gull
Craibstone, 21.4.12. Nebria gyllenhali, Sch., Glen Muick (Ballater), 19.7.13
Notiophilus aquaticus, L., rare, and easily passed over as N. biguttatus, in flood
refuse, Dee and Don, and occasionally in other localities. Leistus rufescens, F
not common, but widely distributed. Clivina collaris, Hbst., rare and occasional
Craibstone, 29.7.11. Broscus cephalotes, L., occasional, one specimen, Murcar
28.6.10. Harpalus tardus, Panz., not common, found on Balgownie links, June
1913. Stomis pumicatus, Panz., rare and occasional, Old Mill, 1.4.11. Pteros
tichus diligens, Sturm, very common, and numerous near water. Amara con
vexiuscula, Marsh., rare, Balgownie, 10.6.13; A. fulva, De G., not common
A. apricaria, Sturm, fairly common ; A. acuminata, Payk., not common, Bal
o-ownie, 19.12.11. A. ovata, F., not common, Craibstone, 4.10.12. A. communis
Panz., fairly common and general ; A. tibialis, Payk., one specimen, Murcar
28.9.11 ; A. lucida, F., not common. Calathus flavipes, Fourc, not very common
but general ; C. mollis, Marsh., not very common, but fairly general ; C. micro
ion.] 255
pterus, Dufts., not common. Anrhomenus piceus, L., rare, one specimen, Murcar,
23.7.10; A. gracilis, G-yll., common and general. Bembidium tibiale, Dufts.,
rare, Dee flood refuse, 2.4.13 ; B. decorum, Panz., rare, Dee flood refuse, 25.11.12 ;
B. bruxellense, Wesm., fairly common ; B. bipunctatum, L., rare, Dee flood refuse,
25.1.12; B. punctulatum, Drap., rare, Dee flood refuse, 29.1.14; B. prasinum,
Dufts., not common in this area. Patrobus excavatus, Payk., fairly commonly
at all seasons. Dromius agilis, F., not common; D. quadrimaculatus, L., fairly
common, but not abundant ; D. quadrinotatus, Panz., rare ; D. nigriventris,
Thorns., fairly common on golf links.
Ccelambus novemlineatus, Steph., rare, Lairston Loch, 30.3.11. ; C . parallelo-
grammus, Ahr. (?), rare, Lairston Loch, 12.3.14. Deronectes duodecim-pustulatus,
F., fairly common and general in the Dee. Hydroporus lepidxis, 01., not
uncommon and very local, Cultis Quarry ; H. rivalis, Gyll., not common and
nowhere abundant, though general ; H. septentrionalis, Gyll., Lairston Loch,
12.3.14; H. tristis, Payk., fairly common and general; H. memnonius, Nic,
common; H. nigrita, Fab., abundant, and generally distributed. Agabus
biguttatus, 01., rare, Walker's Dam, 5.7.13; A. paludosus, F., common and
general; A. femoralis, Payk., rare, Lairston Loch, 11.3.14; A. congener,
Payk., fairly common; A. nelmlosus, Forst., abundant but local; A. sturmii,
Gyll., fairly common and general ; A. arcticus, Payk., not common, Lairston
Loch, 12.3.14. Platambus maculatus, L., fairly common and general, darker than
as described by Fowler. Ilybius fuliginosus, F., fairly common and general,
sometimes very numerous ; Dytiscus marginalis, L., rare and very local, Eubislaw
Quarry. Acilius sulcatus, L., local, only found in summer. Hydrobins fuscipes,
L., common and general; var. xneus, Sol., very rare, Lairston, 15.2.11. Helo-
phorus rugosus, 01., locally common on sea-side links. Hydrsena gracilis, Germ.,
not common.
Aleochara mcerens, Gyll., not uncommon ; A. obscurella, Er., rare, Bal-
gownie, 23.3.12. Oxypoda spectabilis, Maerk., not uncommon ; 0. lividipennis,
Mann., not common ; 0. umbrata, Grav., not common. Ocalea castanea, Er.,
fairly common. Homalota hygrotopora, Kr., fairly common ; H. graminicola, Grav.,
common and general ; H. linearis, Grav., very common and general ; H. depressa,
Gyll., especially on fungi, but not common ; H. euryptera, Steph., not common.
Autalia impressa, 01., common in fungi in late summer. Bolitochara obliqua,
Er., rare, Aboyne, 21.9.13 ; B. lucida, Grav., on fungi in autumn ; B. lunulata,
Payk., fairly common on fungi. Leptusa analis, Gyll., not common. Tachyporus
hypnorum, F., var. meridionalis, Fairm., not common ; T. humerosus, Er., not
common ; Tachimis collaris, Grav., fairly common ; T. elongatus, Gyll., very rare,
Glen Muick, 19.9.13. Megacronus analis, F., rare, Cultis, 20.7.11. Bolitobius
lunulatus, L., rare, Hazelhead, 31.10.13. Mycetoporus clavicomis, Mannh., not
common ; M. splendens, Marsh., rare, on a dead cormorant at Balgownie, 11.2.13.
Quedius mesomelinus, Marsh., fairly common ; Q. nigriceps, Kr., fairly common
and general in district ; Q. fumatus, Steph., fairly common ; Q. umbrinus, Er.,
common and general ; Q. fulvicollis, Steph., rare ; Lairston, 11.3.4. Leisto-
trophus nebulosus, F., in horse-dung, Murcar, 28.6.18 . found also at Spring-
hill, 29.3.13. Staphylinus erythropterus, L., rare, in dung, Murcar, 15.7.10.
256 October, 1914.]
Or.ypus olens, Mull., rare, a few local examples have been shown me by other
collectors ; 0. brunnipes, F., rare, Balgownie, 5.3.13 ; also in a gull shot at Black-
burn, 13.3.12 ; 0. morio, Grav., fairly common and general. Philonthus varians,
Payk., Murcar, 22.7.10 ; P. puella, Norchn., rare, Durris, 9.7.10. Lathrobium
elongatum, L., not very common; L. fulvipenne, Grav., fairly abundant. L.
terminatum, Grav., rare, curling pond, Cultis, 15.2.13. Stilicus geniculatus'
Er., not common. Stenus canaliculatus, Gyll., not common ; S. bifoveolatus, Gyll.,
not very common ; S. latifrons, Er., common and general ; S. paganus, Er.,
fairly common. Bledius arenarius, Payk., rare, Dee flood refuse, 19.1.12.
Platystethus arenarius, Fourc, not common. Anthophagus testaceus, Grav.,
rare, Durris, 9.7.10. Lesteva longelytrata, Goeze, fairly common and general ;
L. sicula, Er., not common. Deliphrum tectum, Payk., rare, Balgownie, 13.2.14.
Culter, 4.10.13. Philorhinum sordidum, Steph., rare, Auchlunies, 24.3.11;
Homalium rugulipenne, Rye, locally abundant on sea-shore links ; H. pusil-
lum, Grav., abundant under bark of dead Scots fir ; H. monilicorne, Grav.,
fairly common under bark ; if. vile, Er., fairly common on broom flowers in
summer, and under bark in winter. Anthobium torquatum, Marsh., abundant on
broom blossom. Proteinus brachypterus, F., very common and general. Phlce-
obium clypeatum, Mull., not common. Megarthrus depressus, Steph., rare,
Hazelhead, 17.11.12.
Agathidium marginatum, Sturm, rare, Dee flood refuse, 27.1.14. Aniso-
toma dubia, Kug., rare, Murcar, close to dung, 30.8.11. Necrophorus ruspator,
Er., not common. Silpha nigrita, Creutz., said to occur in the district ; S. opaca,
L., not common. Choleva angustata, F., fairly common ; C. fusca, Panz., not
uncommon; C. tristis, Panz., very common on carcases. Colon b runneum, Latr.,
not common, under bark and on fungi. Micropeplus staphylinoides, Marsh.,
rare, Balgownie links, 13.10.11. Epursea sestiva, L. not common. Nitidula bi-
pustulata, L., rare and occasional, Murcar, 25.9.14. Soronia grisea, L., rare, in
burrow of Cryptorrhynchus in willows at Newton, Dee, 3.3.14. Ips quadripus-
tulata, L., fairly common, especially on dead poplars. Rhizophagus depressus,
F., common and general on various trees ; B. ferrugineus, Payk., not common,
but generally under bark of dead Scots pines. Lathridius lardarius, De G., not
common, and never abundant. Corticaria crenulata, Gyll., common and
general in haystacks ; C. umbilicata, Beck, not common, Balgownie, 21.2.12, and
9.5.12. Cryptophagus saginatus, Sturm, fairly common. Parnus auriculatus,
Panz., fairly common.
Aphodius fossor, L., rare in this district ; in horse-dung, Lairston, 20/6/13 ;
A. lapponum, Gyll., fairly common and general ; A. inquinatus, F., not common,
but general ; A. contaminatus, Hbst., very common and general, sometimes
every patch of horse-dung on a road swarms with them, and they fly up in
clouds ; A. depressus, Kug., not very common. Serica brunnea, McLeay, very
local, and only found near the sea-shore. Cryptohypnus dermestoides, Hbst.,
not common, Dee flood refuse, 23.3.12. Dolopius marginatus, L., not common,
in a thrush shot at Craibstone, 31.5.13. Corymbites cupreus, F., not very com-
mon; var. seruginosus, F., rare, Balgownie, 16.10.11. Telephorus nigricans, F.,
var. discoideus, Steph., fairly common in summer on broom. T. paludosus,
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CONTENTS. page
The Geographical Distribution of Danaida plexippus, L. (Danais archippus, F.),
with especial reference to its recent migrations (with sketch-map) (con-
cluded).—James J. Walker, M.A., R.N., F.L.S 233
A note on Oreopsyche pyrenaella, H.-S. (with plate). — T. A. Chapman, M.D.,
F.Z.S 237
Micro-Lepidoptera in the Ox.ord district. — E. 6. R. Waters, M.A 240
Diptera from the neighbourhood of Marlborough, including one species new to
Britain. —T. W. Kirkpatrick 244
Note on Diazosma (Trichocera) hirtipennis, Siebke. — J. E. Collin, F.E.S 246
Chionotopus, an unrecorded genus of Coleoptera. — D. Sharp, M.A., F.R.S. ... 246
Criocephalus ferus, Kraatz, at Oxford. — J. Collins 246
Note on a dark form of Hydrothassa niarginella, L., from Killarney. — O. C.
Champion, F.Z.S 246
Leemophlceus ater, 01., in pine and beech.— Id 247
A few Coleoptera, &c, from Grey well, Hants. — Id 247
Dryophilus anobioides, Chevr., near Brandon, Suffolk. — E. A. Newbery 247
Q.uedius puncticollis, 'J horns., accompanying Lasius fuliginosus, Latr. — James
J. Walker, M.A., R.N. , F.L.S 247
A melanic form of Galerucella tenella, L. — Id 248
Species of Cionus on Buddleia globosa. — Id 248
Buddleia as an attraction to Lepidoptera. - Id 248
Further British records of Danaida plexippus. — Nelson M. Richardson, M.A.... 249
Nomiades semiargus, Kott., in Kent. — F. H. Haines, D.P.H.., M.R.C.S.,
L.R.C.P 250
Tortrix pronubana, Hb., in Chiswick. — A. Sich, F.E.S 250
Abnormal coupling in insects — R. C. L. Perkins, M.A., D.Sc, F.Z.S 250
Abundance of the Gooseberry saw-fly, Pteronus ribesii, Scop. — Geo. T. Porritt,
F.L.S 251
Review. — " Report and Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society," Vol.
XLVI, 1»13 251
Obituary. — Henry Herbert Lyman, M.A 252
Societies. — South London Entomological and Natural History Society 252
Entomological Society of London 253
Coleoptera in the Aberdeen district. — Major A. O. C. Watson, R.A.M.C 254
rpHE SIX COLOTJEED PLATES illustrating the articles on
"SOME INTERESTING BRITISH INSECTS,"
with the accompanying text (issued in the Ent. Mo. Mag. for September, 1909,
January and September, 191U, September, 1911, and August, 1913), are issued
in a separate wrapper, price 2s. 6d.
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MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 11, Chandos Street, Cavendish
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THE LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Meetings at Hall 20,
Salisbury House, Finsbury Circus, E.C., on First and Third Tuesdays of the month
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Hon. Sec. : J. Ross, 18, Queen's Grove Road, Chingford, N.E.
Woodford Branch. Meetings are held at the Wilfrid Lawson Hotel, Woodford
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LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. —
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November, 1914.] 257
Fall., rare, under bark ; Mugiemoss, 26.6.13. Rhagonycha limbata, Thorns.,
common on broom blossom ; R. pallida, F., not very common. Malthodes mar-
ginatus, Latr., not common, Cults Bridge, 28.6.13. Niptus hololeucus, Fald.,
not common, in the Natural History Museum at Aberdeen. Emobius mollis, L.,
the larvae are very abundant in old palings, but the perfect insect is not very
common.
Rhagium indagator, Gyll., rare, between Culter and Coutlaw, 11.3.11 ;
R. bifasciatum, F., abundant when found, viz., in old palings and stumps of
Scots firs. Acanthocinus sedilis, L., not common, I have seen one taken at
Skene, 25.6.10. Donacia sericea, L., not common, and never abundant. Hydro-
thassa aucta, F., rare, Balgownie, 29.2.12. Prasocuris phellandrii, L., not
common, Loch Skene, and thrice in flood refuse. Galerucella sagittarise, Gyll.,
not common and local, Lochs Skene and Drum. Longitarsus anchusse, Payk.,
fairly common and general ; L. melanocephalus, All., only found at Aboyne,
21.9.12 ; L. suturellus, Dufts., fairly common ; L. jacobsese, Wat., fairly common ;
L. gracilis, Kuts., not common, Banchory, Denewick, 28.6.13. Psylliodes chal-
comera, Illig., not very common. Salpingus castaneus, Panz., rare, under bark
of Scots pine, Tyrebagger Hill, 1.12.13. Rhino simus ruficollis, L., not so common
as R. planirostris. Anaspis rufilabris, Gyll., not common, on broom blossom, in
flood refuse, and under bark. Meloe proscarabseus, L., rare, one live specimen
shown me in May, 1912.
Apion gyllenhali, Kirby, not common, on Lotus corniculatus, Murcar, 20.7.10.
Otiorrhynchus atroapterus, De G., common on sea-shore links ; 0. blandus, Gyll.,
very common on sea-shore links ; 0. muscorum, Bris., fairly common and general.
Strophosomus limbatus, F., found in a rook shot at Nairn. Sciaphilus muricatus,
F.j rare, Heathcot Ferry, 4.3.14. Tropiphorus tomentosus, Marsh., fairly common
and general. Phyllobius maculieornis, Germ., not common but general. Philo-
pedon geminatus, F., not common, sea-shore links. Barynotus schonherri, Zett.,
common and general. Alophus triguttatus, F., not common, Dee flood refuse
7.11.12 ; I have seen another from Persley Den, 17.5.13. Sitones griseus, F.,
not common, sea-shore links ; S. tibialis, Hbst., very common and general ;
S. flavescens, Marsh., rare, Murcar, 13.9.11 ; S. puncticollis, Steph., very common
and general ; S. sulcifrons, Thunb., rare, Muchalls, 6.9.11. Hypera polygoni, L.,
fairly common and general. Liosoma ovatulum, Clairv., var. collaris, Eye, not
very rare, Old Mill, 8.4.11 ; Brig o' Dee, 27.9.11. Curculio abietis, L., I have
found the larvae abundantly at Maryculter, but only got the beetle once.
Pissodes notatus, F., larvae common, but the beetle is seldom found ; P. pini, L.,
larvae common, as in the case of P. notatus. Grypidius equiseti, F., rare, Balgownie
Links, 12.6.13. Anoplus plantaris, Naez., rare, in a town garden, 6.7.10. Miarus
campanulas, L., reared from galls on Campanula rotundit'olia by Prof. Traill, in
August, 1883. Orobitis cyaneus, L., rare, reared by Prof. J. Traill from Viola
canina, in October, 1912. Cryptorrhynchus lapathi, L., rare and very local, on
purple willows, Newton Dee and nowhere else. Ceuthorrhynchus alliarise, Bris.'
rare, Raeden, 14.5.12. Rhinoncus gramineus, F., not common, Murcar, 27.9.11 .
Dee flood refuse, 31.10.13. Hylastes ater, Payk, noteommoH, or afeleast seldom
found, especially on roots of dead Scots pines-; H. cunitularius, Ei\, very rare,
W
258 [November,
one specimen at Hazelhead, 13.11.13; H. palliatus, Gryll., not common, Skene,
11.11.13 ; Aboyne, 21.9.12. Hylastinus obscurus, Marsh., fairly common and
general, in dead and dying broom ; the larvae and perfect insect may be found
together. Myelophilus piniperda, L., only too abundant in pines. Phlceophthorus
rhododactylus, Marsh., very common and general on dead broom, often along
with Hylastinus.
13, Cardew Place, Aberdeen :
March 28th, 1913.
GABRIUS PRIMIGENIUS, Jot, A NEW BRITISH BEETLE.
BY NORMAN H. JOY, M.R.C.S., F.B.S.
When spending a day with Dr. Sharp in the New Forest in April,
1913, he showed me a very distinct new species of beetle, Actobius
ytenensis, recently taken by him, and very kindly accompanied me to
the spot where he had found it, but we failed to catch further speci-
mens. On returning home I found that I had an example of it
among my series of A. signaticornis, Rey, labelled " Bradfield, 1910."
At the end of September, I visited the only ground in this district
which at all resembles the habitat of A. ytenensis in the New Forest.
It is a very limited area of sphagnum, which is at present, on account
of the very fine weather we have had lately, only slightly damp.
There were very few beetles in the sphagnum, but I eventually
obtained six specimens of the species for which I was looking, and
somewhat to my surprise a Gabrhis, which, however, proved to be a
female. A few days afterwards Mr. Tomlin accompanied me to the
spot, and although for fully twenty minutes we caught nothing, we
eventually took a few more of the Actobius, and three more of the
Gabrius. On dissecting a ^ specimen of the latter I was very pleased
to find it was G. primigenius, Joy, the only other $ being G. penna-
tus, Sharp. Since then I have collected a large quantity of the
sphagnum in sacks, and sifted it carefully at home, but have only
succeeded in taking two more examples of Gabrius, one being a $ , the
other a <$ primigenius. In describing G. primigenius (Ent. Mo. Mag.,
vol. XLIX, p. 25) from a single specimen from N.W. Spain, I stated
that the legs are dark. On re-examination of the type, kindly lent
to me by Mr. Champion, I find this description only applies to the
hinder pair, the others not being well seen. I am quite unable to see
any external distinctions between this species and G. pennatus, so
1914.] 259
that the females are quite indistinguishable. Capt. Deville* has
informed me that he has taken G. primigenius in flood refuse at
Gredmont, Haute-Marne, and reports it from the Isle of Sylt,
Northern Germany.
Bradfield :
October 11th, 1914.
NOTES ON SOME BEITISH SPECIES OF HALTICA.
BY D. SHARP. M.A., F.R.S.
For some time past I have given a good deal of much interrupted
attention to this difficult genus, and recently I have had the advantage
of comparing notes and specimens with Mr. H. Britten, who has
given much study to it. I therefore venture to publish the fol-
lowing notes, which I hope will at any rate help to clear up certain
points. I may add that I have in hand a study of the larvae and
natural history of the species occurring here, and that I should much
like to receive living specimens of the beetles or their larva? from other
quarters.
The remarks given below relate only to the three species that
occur on Erica and Calluna in the United Kingdom.
Haltica ericeti, All.
H. scutellaris Sharp, M.S.
Allard's first discrimination was in the form of a diagnosis, Bull.
Soc. Ent. France, 1859, p. clxvi, as follows : " Grapt. ericeti, mihi.
Metallico-virescens, nitida. Gr. ampelophaga affinis, sed major et
convexior omnibus aliis G raptod. Elytra humeris rotundata, convexiore
et fortiter punctulata, punctis inordinatis magisque remotis, praecipue
distinguitur. — Long. 5 mill. ; larg. 3| mill. — Landes, sur 1' Erica
tetralix."
In his monograph of " Galerucites anisopodes," Ann. Soc. Ent.
France, 1860, p. 82, the description is still comparative, and adds but
little to his previous diagnosis : he tells us, however, that it occurs at
Brest.
I am not sure what Allard's " am-pelophaga " may be. It is said
by him to be very common on vines in the south of France. As only
* I was glad to receive a post-card a few days ago from Capt. Deville, in which he writes :
"A hearty salutation from an accessory war-theatre, where we are not very strongly fighting."
I am sure that British Coleopterists hope that he will get through the war safely.
W 2
260 [November,
other localities he adds : " M. Waterhouse me l'a envoyee d' Angleterre,
et notre collegue M. Lethierry l'a rapportee de Medeah, en Algerie."
Weise, Ins. Deutschl. 6, p. 837, only records the species as occurring
on vines in Southern Europe, Algeria and Syria, and adds : " das
Vorkommen in England (Allard) ist unwahrscheinlich." The occur-
rence of " ampelophaga " in England was, however, corroborated by
the later authority, Kutschera, as recorded by Eye, Entom. Annual,
1869, p. 54, who in a parenthesis adds that ampelophaga " must be
coryli from its constant habitat, or else coryli and ampelophaga cannot
be specifically distinct." According to Weise, op. cit. p. 833, coryli
is quercetorum Foudr. var., and ampelopkaga Allard, is the vine
species. Its occurrence in England is very doubtful.
These remarks might be much amplified if other authorities were
considered, but they are sufficient to show the confusion that has
existed. Weise, moreover, appears to have known but little of Allard's
ericeti ; he considers it to be a form unknown in Germany, and only
doubtfully distinct from ampelophaga, the vine species.
It is thus very difficult to identify the ericeti of Allard with
certainty. But it appears highly probable that the ampelophaga of
Waterhouse is coryli of our collections, and that ericeti of Allard is
a very closely allied species attached to Erica instead of to hazel.
This view agrees with Fowler, Brit. Col., 4, p. 355, and with Edwards,
Ent. Mo. Mag., 27, p. 291.
The two authorities last mentioned identify ericeti with a northern
Haltica, the male of which is remarkable on account of the greatly
developed basal joint of the front tarsus. I formerly adopted this
view, but after a correspondence with Mr. Britten I found that he
entertained a different opinion, and this induced me to reconsider the
whole matter, and as a result of this I feel but little doubt that he is
correct and that the ericeti of Allard is an insect I had distinguished
in my collection, and to which I had attached the MS. name scutellaris,
under the impression that it was an undescribed form. This species
is a large Haltica, 5 mm. long, convex, of a beautiful blue-green or
green colour; with the scutellum never concolorous with the elytra
and usually of a brilliant golden, or pale metallic, colour. The elytra
have very marked punctuation.
The species occurs but rarely here. I have a series that I have
accumulated in the New Forest during ten years of special search for
it ; Mr. Champion has a series from Surrey, and Mr. Britten has also
a few specimens. It is here attached I believe to Erica tetralix. All
19U0 261
the specimens I have seen are females, and this though I have made
many attempts to discover the male. As the chief locality of the
species is close to my residence, I have often endeavoured to discover
its special habits, but at present in vain.
I have now before me two living specimens, captured here on
August 11th, and preserved in a flower-pot with Erica tetralix and
Call una vulgaris growing, under cover of a glass cylinder capped with
wire gauze.
I believe the species is a very shy one, and is usually concealed
in the moss at the base of the clumps of the Erica, but I have once
or twice beaten it from TJlex bushes, round the base of which Erica
was growing. The glass cylinders just mentioned I find keep Coleo-
ptera and their larvae alive better than any other method I have tried.
The two living individuals are females, and though they have flourished
quite healthily — to all appearance at any rate — there are no signs of
eggs or larvae.
The species occurs here as a companion of the extremely abundant
H. ytenensis (to be subsequently described) and in consequence of the
fact that I could only find females of it, I for long tried to persuade
myself that it is a dimorphic form of ytenensis ; but I am pretty sure
that this is not the case, as the female genital characters are of them-
selves sufficient for the separation of the two.
Haltica britteni, sp. n.
Haltica ericeti Fowler, Edwards, nee Allard.
<$ Graptodera longicollis Rye, Ent. Mo. Mag., 12, p. 179.
? Graptodera. ericeti Rye, ex parte.
If I have (following Mr. Britten) correctly determined the ericeti
of Allard, we are much assisted in comprehending the allied form for
which I propose the name of britteni, in honour of Mr. H. Britten, of
the Oxford University Museum.
The female of this species is partly the ericeti of our earlier
collections, and the £ at any rate is our old H. longicollis.
It is here that we are puzzled on account of our not knowing the
male of the true ericeti. Hence the very few females of true ericeti
that were extant were mixed with the species now under consideration.
Consequently the localities recorded for ericeti are not trustworthy, as
they apply to two species.
ofiQ [November,
Judging from my own collection, it appears probable that in the
United Kingdom, britteni is a northern, ericeti a southern, insect.
In the Continental literature there is only one species recorded as
attached to Erica, and this I have already identified as the true ericeti*
H. britteni is remarkable on account of the greatly dilated basal joint
of the front tarsus ; while on the continent of Europe no species is
recorded as possessing this feature to so great an extent. It appears,
therefore, to be clear that H. britteni is a new species.
The sexes exhibit much difference, and there is also considerable
variation among individuals of the same sex : a brief diagnosis follows :
Metallico-viridescens, inter dum subaurata vel subsenea, prothorace nitido,
elytris sat fortiter punctatis.
Mas, elytris nitidis ; artieulo basali tarsorum anticorum et inter mediorum
valde dilatato. Long., 3^ mm.
Fern., elytris subnitidis. Long. 4J — <H mm.
The species exhibits variation in the punctuation of the elytra of
the male, which in one individual is very much coarser than in the
others, and this specimen has the upper surface very polished and
shining, almost as much so as H. coryli.
The female appears to be less variable as regards punctuation, but
in colour it is even more variable being sometimes dull black.
The male may be easily discriminated from our other British
species by the basal joint of the front tarsus being about three times
as broad as the following one. The sedeagus is remarkably large,
broad, and becoming distinctly broader behind ; there is a well-marked
acumen on the tip of the hind margin.
The female is much like ericeti § , but is always a little smaller, it
has a shorter thorax, less punctuation of the elytra, and shorter and
broader front tarsi ; the coloration is less brilliant, and the scutellum
never so striking in golden appearance.
H. britteni appears to be no rarity in Scotland where it occurs
even north of the Grampians (Nethy Bridge) . On the great heaths
in Dumfries and Kircudbrightshire it is certainly not uncommon, and
could probably be found in plenty by special search. I have observed
it living on Erica about New Galloway, and on that occasion there
were a great many specimens on one plant (June, 1867), but I do not
* Longieollis Allard, was said by him to occur on " bruyeres," and Weise says that longf
colli* AIL, is typical "oleracea" It cannot, however, be our " oleracc a " (= vltmnsu of this paper),
and in all probability Allard mixed more than one species under the name of longieollis.
19U.] 263
recollect which species of Erica it was. In England Britten has met with
it in Cumberland, and it occurs in Wales (Holyhead, T. V. Wollaston) .
It is said to have been found by Wilkinson at Scarborough on Helian-
themum (Rye, Ent. Annual, 1869, p. 55) but I have some doubts as to
the correctness of this observation.
Haltica ytenensis, nom. n. (= oleracea, Brit, coll.) nee L.
Few beetles have been more discussed in this country than the
species we call oleracea Linn.
Practically there has been from the beginning no oleracea, Linn.
It has always been a " Magazine." Linnaeus' description consists of
three words (" saltatoria virescenti-cserulea." ) His types consist,
according to Gr. E. Waterhouse, of two specimens representing two
species, neither of which is now included in what is called " oleracea L.,"
and his immediate successors confused under the name various other
species of the genus (cf. Rye, Ent. Ann., 1869, p. 55). At present it
is doubtful to us here what Continental authors mean by oleracea, but
as they certainly do not mean either of the two species represented in
the Linnean collections, and as there is no reliable traditional meaning
for the name, we really should do better not to respect it.
I io not know whether we have in England the species called
oleracea by Weise, and according to my view it does not matter, for
nomenclatorial purposes, whether we have it or not. Allard's " oleracea''''
was probably more than one species, and a specimen from him in
Mr. Britten's possession appears to be a species not yet found in
England. According to Weise " oleracea " has no synonym available
as a name for our species, and I therefore think it will help us if I
start a new one.
H. ytenensis Sharp. Viridi vel cmruleo-metallica, prothorace brevi, parum
punctata, elytris anterius sat fortiter punctatis, apicem versus obsolete punctatis.
Long. S\ — 4 mm.
Mas, tarsis anterioribus articulo basali parum clilatato ; sedeago ad apicem
fere rotundato, margine medio tantum obsoletissime aiujulato, acuminefcre nullo.
H. ytenensis is perhaps the most numerous in individuals of all
the species of Coleojjtera, found in the New Forest. It inhabits both
species of Erica as well as CalPuna vulgaris, and it probably eats other
plants. I have in hand some observations on its habits and will do no
more at present than mention that it lives in the imago state for a very
long time, and is only a few weeks in the larval state, and that there is
probably only one generation annually. Early in August I ascertained
its presence here on the heaths in enormous numbers, and yesterday
2(J4 [November,
it was even more abundant, for on turning back the stems of a patch
of Erica tetralix upwards of fifty specimens were observed in a space
of about half a square foot, and it appeared to be spread over the
moor. Mauy of the specimens were only recently disclosed. Mr. Lyle
tells me that in some years the larvae may be swept up in tens of
thousands from the heather of the moors, but that this year it was
rarer than on many other years. His identification of the larva was
quite correct as I reared some of those he gave me.
Brockenhurst :
October 16th, 1914.
NOTES ON THE AUSTRALIAN XYL0PHIL1DJE DESCRIBED BY
BLACKBURN, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF A REMARKABLE NEW
SPECIES FROM QUEENSLAND.
BY G. C. CHAMPION, F.Z.S.
The types of the various Australian species described by Blackburn
in 1891 under his genera Syzeton, Syzetoninus, and SyzetoneUus have
been recently acquired by the British Museum. They cannot be
separated from Xylophihis, some of them indeed being closely related
to American members of the last-named genus.* The tarsal aud abdo-
minal structm-es noticed by Blackburn are exactly those of Xylopliilus,
aud the chai-acters he relied upon to distinguish his three supposed
new genera inter se, mainly taken from the relative size of the eyes and
the form of the antenna), are of no value for generic definition, as
shown by the European X. (Euglenes) oculatus, Payk., and pygmseus,
deG-eer, in which the eyes differ greatly in size in the two sexes ; the
antennae, too, in the males of these insects being very differently formed
from those of the females. Blackburn's paper was overlooked by me
in 1895 when I described four species of Xylophihis from Australia,
but this does not affect the validity of the last-tiamed insects. The
following very interesting minute form from Queensland is now
added : —
Xylophilus malleifer, n. sp.
S . Oblong, narrow, shining, rufo-testaceous, the eyes black, the elytra each
with an obliquely placed triangular piceous patch on the disc beyond the
middle ; upper surface closely punctate, the punctures on the head and prothorax
minute, those on the elytra coarser ; sparsely, very finely pubescent. Head
together with the eyes fully as wide as the base of the prothorax ; eyes large,
coarsely facetted, contiguous above. Antennae long, stout, joint 1 much stouter
than those following, 2 short, transverse, 3—7 decreasing in length, 3 much
longer than 4, 8 and 9 twisted, subtrianguiar, 10 and 11 together dilated into
* cf. Biol. Centr.-Arn., Coleopt. IV, 2, pis. 8 and 21, on which 35 species are figured.
1914.]
265
an extremely broad, concave, hammer-shaped club, the inner face of 10 con-
volute, 11 with a hook-like spine at the apex. Prothorax transverse, narrowed
anteriorly, transversely depressed on the disc before the base. Elytra much
wider than the prothorax, subparallel in their basal half, obliquely depressed on
the disc below the base. Legs slender; posterior femora much thickened, simple;
posterior tarsi with joint 1 much longer than the others united. Length, li mm.
Hab. : Queensland, Cairns.
Described from a single example, captured by Dr. E. C. L. Perkins
during his visit to Australia a few years ago. The g antennal struc-
ture is quite unlike anything known to me amongst the Xylophilids,
and it is suggestive of that occurring amongst the American Malachiids
of the genus Collops ; but in this latter case the malformation is
restricted to the second joint, whereas in the Heteromerous insect now
described it is transferred to the ninth and tenth joints which together
appear to form a sensitive clasping organ. The accompanying excellent
figures, drawn by Mr. Horace Knight, illustrate this peculiar structure
better than any description : (a) a portion of the left antenna with the
tenth and eleventh joints pushed forward, and the eleventh raised ;
(6) a portion of the right antenna with the apical joints in their
normal resting position, the eleventh thus appearing to be placed
before the tenth. The above correction in the synonymy affects the
names of four species : lateralis, Blackb., fasciatus, Boh., crassicornis,
Pic, and humeralis, Lea, all of which are pre-occupied.
Horsell, Woking :
October 20th, 1914.
266 [November,
OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE-HISTORY OF METHOCA ICHNEU-
MONOIDES, Latr.
BY H. G. AND R. J. CHAMPION.
During the past summer we have given a good deal of time to
observing the habits of this Mutillid, as we had heard that it was
suspected of being parasitic on larvae of species of Cicindela, and
thought it would be of interest to discover as much as we could of its
life history. Not until most of the data had been collected did we
find out that the work had already been carried out by two Swedish
investigators, Adlerz and Bouwman, whose results, as far as wTe know
them, agree closely with ours [cf. Trans. Ent. Soc. Loud., 1911,
p. 452]. Unfortunately, their papers are written in Swedish, whilst
the reference quoted does little more than mention the facts. How-
ever, confirmatory evidence is not without its value, and as we have
reason to believe that several Hymenopterists have patiently watched
the wingless $ of Methoca for hours together without observing any-
thing of interest, we feel justified in writing this note. Of course,
our experiments are by no means completed, but as in all probability
neither of us will be in a position to carry them through, at least as
far as breeding out the imagines, we describe them now as far as they
have gone.
The £ of the insect in question is rare, in fact we have not yet
seen it alive, but we were always able, on a favourable day, through-
out August to secure one or more $ $ running hurriedly about
amongst the heather on the sandy parts of the commons near here.
When alarmed, as they readily are, they "freeze," and are then only
too easily pased over. The great variation in size, length from 4 to
9 mm. is remarkable.*
Directly we began to watch them in the field, we saw that when they
were not running about apparently aimlessly, they were busily engaged
in filling in the burrows of large Cicindela larvae with the shrivelled
corollas and little twigs of Calluna, as well as with grains of sand,
small fibrous masses of humus, etc. From the fact that these
burrows were partly in the favourite haunts of C. ca/m/pestris and
partly in those of C. sylvdtica, we have every reason to believe that
these two species are attacked indifferently, as was observed by the
Swedish workers. Excavations of burrows so filled revealed a paralysed
larva.
* In Saunders' Hymenoptera Aculeata the limits 6-9 mm. are given for the ?.
i9u.] 267
We next wanted to see how the Methoca rendered the formidable
beetle-larva hors de combat. The pugnacity of the latter is of course
well known, and, as we had opportunity of seeing, it will fight to a finish
with any intruder of its own kind. ~No form of animal food comes
amiss, and even the large larvae of Balaninus nncum are rapidly disposed
of. An excellent account of the life history- of Cicindela campestris
may be read in Proc. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1903, p. xv, written by F. Enock,
and we need only mention that the full grown larva may be found in
vertical cylindrical burrows 2| to 7 ins. deep in sandy soil, the entrance
being characterised by the absence of any pile of excavated material
(contrast those of Cerceris and other Hymenoptera) . The large
shovel-shaped cephalothoracic shield with the peculiarly set mandibles
form a neat floor and a deadly trap for any hapless victim to fall on
to, or run over, the larva being enabled to stay in any position in the
burrow by a double hooked projection from the 5th dorsal segment.
When disturbed it does not retreat to the bottom, but usually remains
an inch or two from the top, thus facilitating the work of digging it
out.
The question at once presents itself : how does the Methoca get
below this head- shield to attack the Cicindela larva in its vulnerable
parts ? ; and although we have seen it do so on several occasions, we
still only know that it does dodge round somehow or other, and from
that moment onward it is all over with the larva. In only one case
have we seen the parasite experience real difficulty in accomplishing
its purpose, and that was probably an accident ; she apparently slipped
down into the hole when the larva was a little below the top, and was
caught by a leg in the maudibles of the latter and thrown some two or
three inches away.
The Cicindela larvae readily make fresh burrows in captivity, or
will even adopt and adapt artificial ones to their requirements, and
after a few experiments, we tried to get them to burrow in sand in
glass vessels, in such a way that one wall was formed by the glass
through which events might be observed : an ordinary tumbler was
found to be much the best for the purpose.
We were thus able to see that kthe Methoca stings its victim
several times in the thorax (presumably the thoracic ganglia)
paralysing it almost completely, and then deposits a single egg on it.
She then proceeds to fill up the burrow with any movable material
at hand, even attempting to use Callnna twigs many times her own
size, which as often as not she is unable to get into the hole. Extra-
268 [November,
ordinary care is taken with the finishing touches designed to render
the hole indistinguishable from the surrounding ground, this being
effected so well that even after watching the whole process, it is
impossible after once taking one's eyes off the spot, to indicate
exactly the original centre of the hole. In one case 17 dead Calluna
corollas, 39 Calluna twigs, one broken-off Erica flower, and 180 odd
pieces of dirt, sand, &c, varying in size from four to six times her own,
to minute grains, were used for the purpose, apart from the sand
kicked down deliberately some 20 times, only larger material being
handled at first, then the small sand grains, &c, and finally twenty
minutes were occupied in rendering the site invisible.
Even where Cicindela larvae are abundant, it must be tedious
work finding the burrows, but once found, no time is wasted, and in
captivity one Meihoca will dispose of as many as three in one day.
It will be seen from the experimental data that the parasite usually
remains about half-an-hour down the burrow after tackling its occu-
pant, perhaps resting, and then spends thirty minutes to an hour filling
up the hole. This done, she at once starts off on the quest of a
further victim, and so long as the weather is bright and warm, is un-
ceasingly active. The night and dull weather is usually spent in an
empty hole or any dark hollow ; we were unable to observe that any
food was taken, our specimens remaining alive up to eight days in cap-
tivity without eating.
The observations made on the behaviour of 6 $ ? will now be
summarised : —
1. $ of medium size, found on August 19th, and imprisoned over a large
Cicindela (probably C. sylvatica) burrow on the open heath-land, under a glass
bottomed pill-box ; she went down at once, re-appearing after half-an-hour
(the pill-box having been removed), and spent two hours and a half filling
iu the hole. She then ran off to look for a fresh hole, but was caught and
brought home and put in a glass jar half filled with sand. She spent the night
in an empty burrow in the sand, and the next morning proceeded to fill up the
hole ! In the afternoon, a larva was put in a prepared hole in the same jar,
and the Methoca at once went in after it, a struggle ensuing near the top,
during which the victim ejected a good deal of fluid from the mouth. During
the fight, the burrow had become blocked up, and this seems to have disgusted
her, for she deserted it without finishing the work.
On the 21st, on being brought near an occupied burrow, she soon went
down, and a few seconds after the larva rushed right out of it, followed by the
Methoca ; it soon went back but was seen no more, as its enemy followed it,
evidently disposed of it in the usual way and then filled up the hole, spending
half-an-hour at the work. The next day we confined her over a burrow in a
1914.] 269
narrow glass tube in which the larva could be seen ; she was seen to slip below
without any trouble and to sting the thoracic segments; the hole was not
properly filled up, probably owing to the artificial conditions. On the 24th, we
tried her with a large active larva, but she seemed weak, and although this did
not prevent her exploring the burrow, her remains were found at the bottom
of it a day or two later !
2. A large $ caught on Aug. 19th. On being put in a glass vessel contain-
ing two tenanted burrows, she only required a couple of minutes to find one of
them, whose occupant was near the top. The Methoca at once " froze," and five
minutes later made a rush and slipped in below it ; both disappeared down the
hole, and after about an hour the Methoca emerged and set to work filling the
burrow. The night was spent in an empty hole. On the 23rd, with a new
burrow, occurred the episode mentioned where the Methoca, was thrown off, but
within half-a-hour, she had accounted for the larva, although she was too weak
to fill the hole, and died the next day.
3. This <j> was found on the evening of Aug. 19th, in a burrow with an
obviously indisposed Cicindela larva, as we were getting some larvae to experi-
ment with. On the 20th, she appeared to fall down a Cicindela-burrow, and a
fight ensiled during which she inflicted several ineffective stings ; the two had
another fight in the evening, but again without residt. On the 21st, she had
disposed of a fresh larva by 10.30 a.m., and by 4.30 of a second, and after that
of a third, though the filling of the hole was only completed the next morning,
when she was lost.
4. This, a fairly large specimen, was put in a jar with three Cicindela
larvae, two small and one full-grown, in their burrows ; she chose (as in all
other similar cases) the big one, and disabled her victim as usual, but the
burrow got blocked below the completely paralyzed larva near the top, and
after two hours fruitless toil, she only succeeded in getting it half-an-inch
down ; this did not satisfy her, and she deserted the woi'k. The Methoca
died on the 24th.
5. On August 24th the Methoca went down a burrow at the side of a tumbler
half full of sand, in spite of the fact that it was blocked by a partly consumed
Balaninus larva. The Cicindela larva was disposed of as usual but the hole not
filled. On the next day another larva (No. 1) was parasitised at 11 a.m. and
the work of filling up the hole took till 2.45 p.m. A third oviposition was
effected between 3 and 5 p.m. On the 29th yet two more (Nos. 2 and 3) victims
were made, both in burrows such that operations could be observed through
the glass walls.
Further observations were able to be made in the cases of Nos. 1, 2 and 3
indicated ahove. On September 2nd, i.e., only four days after oviposition, the
young parasitic larva was visible— it lives entirely externally — attached to the
ventral surface of one of the thoracic segments of its host-larva. Apparently
the juices are sucked out of the host which slowly shrivels up as the parasite
grows ; the former seems to remain alive almost to the end. The Methoca
larva is of a peculiar glistening, transparent white colour, tapering off at both
270 [November,
extremities ; the segmentation is clearly marked by constrictions, but no legs
are visible. Twenty days from oviposition the larva of No. 1 spun a cocoon of
white (subsequently yellowish) silk quite free from dirt particles some three-
quarters of an inch long —the Swedish observers speak of an " earth cocoon." In
the case of No. 2 a rather smaller cocoon was spun 18 days, and in that of No. 3,
28 days after oviposition. In No. 3 only the uppermost inch of the burrow had
been filled up and the parasite and its host had been near the bottom, three
inches lower down ; on becoming full-fed, the former, in spite of its legless
condition, climbed up to the top of the free portion of the burrow to spin
its cocoon.
6. The parent $ parasite in this case we are not sure of : on digging out
some burrows on August 29th for more experimental larvse, a Methoca larva
was found feeding on a paralyzed Cicindela larva ; it is noteworthy that this
burrow had not been filled up, but it is probable that the <j> concerned was one
caught quite near on August 14th, and thus prevented from completing its
work in which case 17 days elapsed before the cocoon was spun on Sept. 1st.
Horsell, Woking :
October 9th, 1914.
HOMONOTUS (POMPILUS) SANGUINOLENTUS, F., IN SURREY,
BY H. G. AND R. J. CHAMPION :
WITH NOTES ON THE CHARACTERS OF THE & AND THE
DISTRIBUTION AND NOMENCLATURE OF THE GENUS,
BY THE REV. F. D. MORICE, M.A.
During the past summer, we took in this district two Fossores
which we were quite unable to match with any insect described in
Saunders's Hymenoptera Aculeata of the British Isles. One of them,
a $ , was very characteristically coloured, black with red pronotum
and propodeum, whilst both were remarkable for the elongate form of
the thorax, largely brought about by the shape of the pronotum.
We suspected the two of being the sexes of a single species, and
the Rev. F. D. Morice kindly examined them for us. He at once
recognised the ? as Homonotus sanguinolentus, F., and the $ as almost
certainly of the same species, and on his advice we sent the $ to the
British Museum, where Mr. B. Turner compared it with the collections
there and confirmed it as belonging to this species.
This interesting and beautiful Fossor has hitherto only once
been recorded from Britain [Ent. Mo. Mag., 1900, p. 206J, by
1914.] 271
E. Saunders, under the name Pomp ilus (Wesmaelinius) sanguinolentus,
F., a ? having been taken in the New Forest by Dr. Sharp on July 18th
of that year. Our $ specimen was caught on a Galluna plant at
Chobham, on August 11th, and the <$ was swept up on a piece of
heathy ground near Woking, on June 21st. Subsequent search has
failed to give us any further specimens.
Mr. Morice sends us the Notes here appended : —
(1). Characters of Homonotus sanguinolentus, F. ^ .
Narrow and elongate. Size probably varies. This specimen about as large
as normal <J 6" o( P . unicolor, nigerrimus, etc. Length, 7\ mm.
Dead-black, practically entirely, except the white calcaria. The dull
coriaceous surface is clothed with a dense but exceedingly short pubescence of
microscopical griseous hairs, sheeny in certain aspects ; apart from this
pubescence it seems to be quite hairless.
The head, viewed from in front, is nearly round. The frons very tumid
and slightly shining; the eyes reaching to the base of the mandibles (gense
nullx !) and with more or less concave inner margins ; the clypeus very large
and prominent, overlapping and hiding mandibles, mouth-parts, etc. ; its apex
slightly emarginate. The antennae are stouter than in the $ , their apical
joint slightly longer than the others; the basal (scape) short and barrel-shaped,
joints 3- — 12 differing little in shape or length ; all more or less convex beneath.
Viewed from above the head appears remarkably crescent-shaped, the tempora
being produced backwards and brought, as it were, to a sharp point (at any
rate to an acute angle) at some distance behind each eye, making the occipital
margin as a whole arcuately (or even in some aspects angularly) concave. The
occipital truncation is very abrupt (though without any raised margin), and
the occiput itself much excavated, overlapping and hiding the narrower extreme
apex of the thorax.
The thorax is widest in the middle (viz., across the insertions of the wings).
Its width here is about equal to that of the head. The very long pronotum is
trapeziform, widening evenly from its apex to its base. The mesonotum proper
is transverse, much shorter than the pronotum. The scutellum is elongate and
subtriangular, with a narrow, and sharply excised ("bifid" or " bidenticulate ")
apex. The propodeum is of a singular form, each of its sides being compressed
and produced posteriorly into a sort of tooth. Viewed laterally, the whole
upper outline of the thorax forms one gentle and uninterrupted curve from end
to end. The abdomen is flat, or even a little hollowed beneath, strongly convex
above. The unguiculi are bifid, i.e., each ends in two branches of unequal
length, these branches being sub-parallel to each other, and closely adjacent.
(This character can only be seen properly when the claws are viewed laterally,
and magnified with a moderately high power of the compound microscope, e.g.,
a i-inch).
272 [November,
The alary character mentioned by Saunders in his description of the <j>
[Ent. Mo. Mag., 1906, p. 152] (viz., an upright cross-nervure in the posterior
wing) appears in the $ also, and is thought to be of real generic value,
occurring in no other group of the family.
The insect seems to have a wide distribution (from Scandinavia
to Italy), but to be everywhere a great rarity. I once took a $ at
Innsbruck, but never, I believe, a $ , though I have something very
like it, but not in my opinion identical with it, from Lambese in
Algeria. It is utterly unlike any other North -European form in
both sexes !
(2). Nomenclature of the Genus Homonotus, Dhb.
The proper generic name for this species seems to be Homonotus,
which was suggested for it in 1843 by Dahlbom [Hym. Eur., I, p. 35],
in the event of its proving generically distinct — as it certainly is —
from Salius F., with which he provisionally placed it. Previously he
had proposed for it another name, viz., Isonotus, but this he withdrew
on finding that the name was pre-occupied in Coleoptera.
In spite of his suggestion to adopt the name Homonotus, Dahlbom
(I.e.) described the insect as a Salius ; and in 1845, when he revised
his former work, he not only left sanguinolentus in Salius, but com-
mitted the crime of re- introducing the name Homonotus in a totally
different sense, so that Homonotus Dhb., 1845, is a "homonym" of
of Homonotus, Dhb., 1843 !
The name Salius, F., was invalid from the first, having been used
already in a different sense before Fabricius appropriated it for his
own genus. Also, as said above, sanguinolentus is not a Salius in the
Fabrician sense. So the name Salius is altogether " out of court,"
though the species is so called by most recent authors, e.g., Thomson,
Taschenberg, etc.
Fabricius himself described it originally as a Sphex (that name
being then used to cover practically all Fossorial Hymenoptera) . After-
wards he placed it in his new genus, Pompilus, and it is cited under
that name by E. Saunders [Ent. Mo. Mag., 1906, p. 152].
But it is now generally admitted that the name Pompilus, F., is
" invalid," as is Salius, and for the same reason, viz. : " pre-occupation
in another zoological group."
The name Wesmaelinius, Costa (given by Saunders in brackets),
was proposed far later than Homonotus (viz., in 1887), and must there-
fore yield precedence to it.
1914.] 273
The catalogue of Dr. v. Dalla Torre unfortunately ignores
Dahlbom's publication of the name Homonotus in 1843. But atten-
tion has been called to it by Stein first, and again by F. F. Kohl ;
and the name Hoimonotus, Dhb., is restored in its original sense
for the present species by the most recent writer on the subject,
Dr. O. Sustera (Wien, 1912).
Woking :
October 13lh, 191 L
EUTHBIPS TAMICOLA, A NEW SPECIES OF THYSANOPTERA
FROM THE FLOWEES OF THE BLACK BRYONY.
BY RICHARD S. BAGNALL, F.L.S., F.E.S.
One afternoon towards the end of June I found an ordinary
looking black Thrips, with a white band at the base of wings, in some
numbers, in the minute flowers of the Black Bryony (Tamus communis)
in the hedge-side near Yarnton, Oxon. I did not attach much im-
portance to this capture, but upon examination on my return home
it turned out to be a new and distinct species of Euthrips (AnajJw-
thrvps), which I describe below. The following evening I cycled along
several country roads and lanes in the neighbourhood of Oxford (in
the two counties) and took the same Thrips in the flowers wherever
the plant was found.
EUTHRIPS TAMICOLA, n. Sp.
This species belongs to the section in which the sixth antennal
joint is not divided.
? . Length, 1.4 to 1.5 mm.
Colour, deep blackish brown, all tibia? and tarsi yellow. Second antennal
joint yellowish distally, 3 and 4 yellowish and 5 greyish -brown with the base
yellow. Upper wings grey-brown, basal fifth (or thereabouts) white ; mid-vein
of hind-wings and all cilia fumose.
Head broader than long, 0.7 as long as broad, diverging basally ; surface
irregularly and transversely striate, sparingly setose. Eyes somewhat promin-
ent, occupying about 0.5 the total length of the head, coarsely facetted and
minutely and sparingly pilose. Ocelli on a prominence, large with reddish
tinge ; posterior pair about on a line through middle of eyes. Antennae about
2.2 times the length of the head, 6th joint entire ; relative lengths of joints
approximately : — 5 : 12 .- 20 (including stem) : 17 : 13 : 18 : 3 : 5. Joint 3 pedi-
X
974 [November,
cellate, roughly fusiform ; 4 moderately clavate, 5 and 6 somewhat broadly
united : 3 and 4 Avith long, slender double trichomes, and 6 with a long,
slender, single trichome near outer side of apex.
Prothorax transverse, angles rounded, about 0.6 as long as broad ; surface
irregularly transversely striate, minutely and sparingly setose ; about 0.9 the
length of the head.
Pterothorax a little longer than broad, sides of metathorax narrowing
towards the base of the abdomen. Legs moderately long, tibiae somewhat
more than usually stout. Wings fully developed, reaching to the eighth
abdominal segment; setse minute, lower vein of fore-wing more or less
regularly set, 17 or more to distal fifth ; upper vein with four or five near base,
1 near middle, 1 about distal fourth, and 1 at extreme apex ; costa similarly set
with similar weak seta?. Lower cilia of fore-wing wavy, those of hind-wing
rather sparse.
Abdomen elongate-oval, slightly broader than the pterothorax and about
0.6 the length of the entire insect, rapidly narrowing from base of segment 8 to
tip ; spines on 9 longer than, and on 10 as long as, the 10th segment, which is
open above.
Type: In Hope Department of Zoology, University Museum,
Oxford.
Habitat : In numbers with its pink larvae, in the flowers of the
Black Brvony (Tamils communis), Yarnton and Cowley (Oxon), and
North Hincksey, Boar's Hill and neighbourhood (Berks), June, 1914.
Probably a widely-distributed species.
Hylton, near Sunderland :
October 5th, 1914.
THE FOOD-PLANT OF PLATYPTILIA MIANTODACTYLA.
BY THE HON. N. CHARLES ROTHSCHILD, M.A., F.L.S.
In a previous number of this Journal (Ent. Mo. Mag., Ser. II, Vol.
XXIV, pp. 159-160, 1913) I stated that the probable food-plant of
the larva of Platyptilia miantodactyla was Achillea ochroleuca. This
supposition I now have proved to be correct, as both Mr. K. Predota
and myself have reared this moth from larvae found feeding on the
above-mentioned plant.
Arundel House,
Kensington Palace Gardens, W. :
October 8th, 1914.
1914.] 275
Euperitelus, Ch. : synonymical note. — This Curculionid genus, type E. albo-
varius, Ch., from " Durango, Mexico," described by myself in the Supplement
to the Central American Otiorrhynchidse [Biol. Centr.-Am., Coleopt. iv, 3,
p. 341, pi. 15, figs. 30, 30a (1911)] is synonynums with Peribrotus, Gerst. [Arch.
f. Nat. XXXVII, p. 72 (1871)], type P. pustulosus, Gerst., from Mombasa, and
the name Euperitelus must be suppressed. E. albovarius, moreover, is so like
P. pustulosus that it probably belongs to the same species. The type of E. albo-
varius was given me by my friend Signer A. Solari of Genoa. It bears a printed
locality ticket, " Sierra de Durango, Messico, Hoge," and therefore was assumed
by me to be a Mexican insect ; but as the specimen in question had been
purchased from a dealer there is little doubt that some mistake had been made
in labelling. I am indebted to Mr. G. A. K. Marshall for calling my attention
to the subject. — G. C. Champion, Horsell, Woking : October 9th, 1914.
Abundance of Pyrameis cardui at Bridlington. — In the middle of last
month (September) I noticed Pyrameis cardui in great plenty at Bridlington —
as abundant, indeed, as I have ever seen it anywhere at any time. They were
flying freely in the gardens in the town on the front opposite the sea, and in
the small garden of the house at which I was staying numbers of them coixld
usually be seen whenever the sun was shining— very often several at a time on
a flower-head of Michaelmas daisy a few inches in circumference. They formed
a striking feature, too, on the flower beds in the public gardens close to the sea.
A couple of nights of rather keen frost in the third week in September, how-
ever, seemed to send many of them into hibernation, as the species was not so
numerous afterwards, though the frost did not appear to diminish the numbers
of Pyrameis atalanta and Vanessa urticse, both of which were in good force,
though not so plentiful as cardui. The main strength of the immigration of
cardui in Yorkshire — probably in the spring — was apparently at that part of
the coast, as at Scarborough, rather over twenty miles away, I found it much
less numerous, and at Whitby, considerably further north again, but where I
only spent one day, I failed to find it at all. As is so often the case when
cardui is abundant Plusia gamma was in swarms, but it is difficult to believe
that their occurrence together can ever be anything more than a coincidence.
P. cardui has occurred here at Huddersfield as well as in other inland districts
of our county this season, so it may be that the immigration has spread
widely over the country. — Geo. T. Porritt, Huddersfield: October 3rd, 1914.
Vanessa antiopa in Norfolk. — Mr. C. G. Barrett (son of the late Mr. C. G.
Barrett, a former editor of this journal), has asked me to record that his daughter
took a very fair specimen of Vanessa antiopa as it was settled upon some
wood at Gaywood, near King's Lynn, on September 15th last. — Geo. T.
PORRITT.
A probable third brood of Pieris brassicx. — The two common white butterflies
Pieris brassicx and P. rapx, have been more than usually plentiful here this
year, especially in the larva state, as is only too evident by the " skeletonized "
X 2
•>7(j [November,
condition of the cabbages in the gardens. A good many specimens of
P. brassicse in quite fresh condition have been observed on the wing at the end
of September and well into the second week of the present month,* the usual
summer brood having disappeared long before. This would seem to indicate a
partial third brood of the butterfly, as was the case in the autumn of 1898
(<•/. Ent. Mo. Mag., Vol. XXXIV, p. 278, and XXXV, p. 12).— James J. Walker,
Oxford : October VJth, 1914.
Receyit Literature. — In the present critical state of affairs on the continent,
which is certain to interrupt the publication of the scientific periodicals of
every country, it may not be out of place to note that the June and July
numbers of the " Annales de la Societc Entomologique de Belgique " contained
papers by the following authors : F. J. Ball — " Le Dimorphisme saisonnier des
androconia chez certaines Ehopaloceres " (illustrated by 2 plates) ; E. Bergroth
— " Two undescribed Pentatomidce from New Caledonia," and " Three new
Heteroptera from Ceylon" ; E. Bubois et E. Vitalis de Salvaza — "Contribution
a la faune entomologique de l'lndochine franeaise" (containing the first in-
stalment of a systematic catalogue of Lepidoptera Rhopalocera of the family
Papilionidse) ; and F. Ohaus — XIII Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Ruteliden. In
the June number (p. 169) M. Guilleaume enumerates various Curculionidse rare
or new to the Belgian fauna, some of which are well known British forms.
The additions are Bagous nigritarsis, Thorns., Orchestes pratensis, Germ., Gymne-
tron villosulum, Gyll., collinum, Gyll., and pUosum, G-yll., Ceuthorrhynchidius
terminatus, Herbst, Ceuthorrliynclius nanus, Gyll., and Rhinoncus albicinctus,
Gyll. One species in this Belgian list, Magdalis violacea, L., certainly ought
to occur in Britain, as it is very widely spread on the continent wherever pines
are to be found.
The Australian Zoologist. Vol. I, part 1, Sydney. July 13th, 1914. —
The first part of this new periodical, issued by the Royal Society of New
South Wales, and edited by Allan E. McCulloch, Zoologist, Australian Museum,
contains two papers directly or indirectly connected with entomology :
(1) The Mallophaga as a possible clue to bird phylogeny, by Lancelot
Harrison ; (2) A Monograph of the genus Tisiphone, Hiibner, by G. A. Water-
house. The author of the second paper recognizes two species of this genus
of butterflies, T. abeona, Donovan, with five subspecies, which are illustrated
on a good uncolo\u-ed plate, and T. Helena, Olliff.
" Supplement to Dr. Sharp's Coleoptera of Scotland," by Anderson
Fergusson. Reprinted from the " Scottish Naturalist, " July, 1913 — June, 1914.
For a long time past, Scotland has been a specially favoured resort of En-
tomologists ; and since the completion in 1882 of Dr. Sharp's series of valuable
and interesting papers in the " Scottish Naturalist " on the Coleoptera of that
* On October 23rd I saw a small 6 specimen, apparently in good condition, flying vigorously
in a gleam of sunshine.
19U]. 277
country, almost every year has been marked by the visit of one or more of the
leading students and collectors of that Order to its classic localities. Their pub-
lished experiences, as well as those of resident Coleopttrists, have resulted in a
very large addition to our knowledge of Scottish beetles, as well as to the number
of species known to occur in that country ; and a glance at the voluminous
" Bibliography " at the end of these collected papers, comprising all available
records from 1871 to 1912, will at once indicate the amount of information at
the disposal of the compiler. He has made excellent use of this material in
the new " Supplement," which is practically on the lines of Dr. Sharp's list of
Scottish Coleoptera, now brought well up to date. Besides the incorporation
of a large number of species new to the country, many that were previously
included in the list on more or less slender or doubtful evidence have been
confirmed by these later records. A considerable proportion of these additions
have been hitherto regarded as markedly southern in their distribution, and it
is somewhat surprising to find such insects as Bidessv.s minutissimus and Haemonia
appendiculata established as Scottish species ; still more startling are the
records by Xilis in 187S from Shetland— rightly bracketed by the compiler as
"requiring additional confirmation" — of Anchomenus sezpv.nctatus, Bembidium
callosum, Dromius fenestratus, Onthophagvs taurv.s, Corymbites ? ipustulotus, and
SpondyUs buprestoides ! "We congratulate Mr. Fergusson on this useful and
well-executed piece of work, which is indispensable to every student of our
British beetle fauna.
Obituaries.
Dr. John Henry Wood, whose death took place at Ledbury on August 29th,
191-4. belonged to a family remarkable for energy and longevity, and devoted to
the medical and military professions. His father was a physician in Ledbury,
and reached the age of 91. Dr. "Wood was the eldest son (born April 14th,
18-41). The second (Miles A. Wood, F.E.C.S.) succeeded his father in practice
in Ledbury. The third brother is Major-General Sir Elliott Wood, who was all
through the Boer war as Chief Boyal Engineer with Lord Boberts. The
youngest brother, Colonel C. K. Wood, was Chief Boyal Engineer with General
Buller throughout the war, including the relief of Ladysmith.
Dr. Wood became M.B.C.S. in 1862, taking the M.B. Lond. in 1864, and for
nearly half a century was in practice at Tarrington, Herefordshire. He was
never married. He was of untiring activity, whether after hounds, at tennis,
on a bicycle (in pre-motor days), or far afield on foot amongst the Black
Mountains or by the Monnow. He was a good botanist, and was accomplished
in other studies, so that he was an excellent comrade — not only from his genial
natiu-e, but by the stores of knowledge always at his command. Lithe and
wiry, without a particle of superfluous tissue, alert in expression and action, he
had as much the appearance of a highly-trained officer as of a physician.
Dr. Wood was no doubt an enthusiastic and successful collector, but his
real interest in Entomolotjv was much more a scientific one. Life-histories and
278
[November,
biological details always engaged his attention, and he was familiar with these
in regard to many species, his published papers dealing only with those that
were previously more or less unknown, and his stores of knowledge were always
at the service of other workers, as may be gathered also from the works of
Barrett, Tutt, and many others.
He became so familiar with all the Micro- Lepidoptera of Herefordshire,
that some twenty odd years ago, finding, as one may say, no more worlds to
conquer in that direction, he began to study Diptera, in the same thorough
manner. He confined himself to the fauna of Herefordshire, and was very
loath indeed to go outside the county— whether for Entomological or other
reasons. His collections, containing almost exclusively Herefordshire specimens,
have been bequeathed to the Woolhope Club for the Hereford Museum.
We have in the pages of our Magazine a good record of the salient points
of Dr. "Wood's work as an Entomologist. There are altogether some 45 papers,
beginning in 1878 and continuing to the present year. These communications
are not mere records of some simple interesting captures, but are for the most
part life histories, or careful analyses of certain groups. The first twenty-three
papers are life histories of Tortrices or Tineae (and two Pyrales), not only with
the care we find in some of Buckler's papers, but almost always with details of
habits as observed in the field. Each year contained one or more papers up
to 1895 relating to Micro-Lepidoptera ; about this time the Diptera became the
subject of his observations, but we find a paper on Lithocolletis concomitella
and its allies in 1900, and one on Wingless Geometers in 1913. In 1903 there
begins a succession of papers on Diptera.
Amongst his papers on Lepidoptera he announced several new species (with
their life histories), Nepticula torminalis, Tinagma betulm, Micropteryx sangii.
The discovery of Ditula woodiana (described by Barrett in Ent. Mo. Mag.,
1882) and of its larva feeding on mistletoe (Ent. Mo. Mag., Vol. XXVIII,
p. 225) was most notable. His differentiation of several new species amongst
the rush-feeding Coleophorse in the same volume (XXVIII) resulted from a
research involving much minute observation. He also added to the British
list several Nepticulse found by him in England for the first time. His studies
of the larvae of Micropteryx, and his elaborate study of the mines, habits, and
history of Nepticulse must be mentioned.
His papers on Diptera added a number of new species, and of species new
to Britain, and the monograph on the genus Phora places our knowledge of
the species of that difficult genus in quite a satisfactory position, a number
of new species being described.
There are several papers in the Transactions of the Woolhope Club : in
1876, one on the Clearwings of the Woolhope district ; in 1891, the Nepticulse of
the Woolhope district ; in 1904, on the Herefordshire Platypezidse, Pipnnculidse
and Syrphidse, and no small share in the list of Herefordshire Lepidoptera, by
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, corrected up to 1902, from a first list in 1866.
We find one paper in the Entomologists' Record " On the plumose antennae
of male Lepidopterous pupae " (Vol. iv, p. 237, 1893).
i9H.] 279
Appended are l-eferences to his papers in the Ent. Mo. Mag. : —
The descriptive papers on larvae and their habits are to be found Vol. XV,
pp. 108, 149 ; XVI, p. 164 ; XVII, pp. 158, 177 ; XIX, p. 140 ; XX, pp. 165, 245;
XXI, p. 253 ; XXII, pp. 151, 261 ; XXIII, p. 188 ; XXIV, pp. 126, 160, 250 ;
XXV, pp. 66, 125, 217 ; XXVI, pp. 1, 88, 102, 133, 148, 209, 261 ; XXVII,
pp. 100, 271, 272 ; XXVIII, pp. 117, 169, 225, 282 ; XXIX, pp. 197, 268 ; XXX,
pp. 1, 43, 93, 150, 272 ; XXXI, p. 155 ; XXXVI, pp. 30, 69, 102.
The papers on Diptera are in Vols. XXXIX, p. 271 ; XLI, p. 5. (On Phora,
Vol. XLII, pp. 186, 262 ; XLIII, p. 228 ; XLIV, pp. 164, 215, 253 ; XLV, pp.
24, 59, 113, J144, 191, 240; XL VI, pp. 149, 195, 243; XL VIII, pp. 94,166;
L., p. 152) ; XLVI, p. 45 ; XL VII, pp. 40, 49 ; XLIX, pp. 13, 84, 268.
The papers on Wingless Geometers are in Vol. XLIX. — T. A. C.
We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Warren, M.A., F.E.S.,
which occurred at Tring on October 18th, after a short but painful illness.
A more extended notice will be given in our next Number.
Noddies.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, Sept. 10th, 1914. — Mr. B. H. Smith, B.Sc, President, in the Chair
Mr. Ashdown exhibited Lepidoptera taken by him in June and July at
Lugano and Zermatt, including GSneis aello, Anthocharis simplonia, Aricia
eumedon, Albulina pheretes, Syntomis phegea, etc. Mr. H. Main, larvse of an
Ascalaphus just hatched sitting with open jaws for prey. Mr. Turner, Agriades
thetis, $ , with very dark underside and a $ Polyommatus icarus with much
intensified submarginal dark spots on the underside. Mr. Edwards, exotic
butterflies from S. America. Mr. B. S. Williams, a black suffused Mamestra
brassicse, and one with pale ground and aberrant stigmata. Mr. Curwen,
species of Anthrocera taken by him recently, and suggested a future discussion
on the genus.
Thursday, September 24th, 1914. The President in the Chair.
Exhibition of lantern slides by Messrs. B. S. Williams and Dennis
Mr. Newman, bred series of Pieris napi from Cork and Sligo, with yellow
suffused and black suffused aberrations, one of the latter having a complete
transverse black band on the fore-wings. Mr. Brooks, varied series of Polyom-
matus icarus females from Horsley, Headley, and Pickett's Hole, near Dorking<
Reports were made on the occurrence of C. edusa, P. atalanta, P. cardui, &c.
Only stray specimens had been seen of C. edusa, while the other two species
were common. — Hi. J. Turner, Hon. Secretary.
OsA Kovember, 1914.
Entomological Society of London : Wednesdaij, October 1th, 1914.—
Mr. G. T. Bethune-Baker, F.L.S., P.Z.S., in the Chair,
Dr. Leslie C. Coleman, D.Sc, Dept. of Agriculture, Bangalore, Mysore,
India, and the Bev. Frederic S. F. Jennings, Warmsworth Eectory, Doncaster,
were elected Fellows of the Society.
Mr. O. E. Janson exhibited an abnormal specimen of Melitsea aurinia,
taken in Kent, in which six of the nervures were almost symmetrically defi-
cient on either side. Mr. G. T. Borritt, a series of Chloroperla venosa, Stepb.,
taken by Brof. Carr and Mr. Mottram on the river Trent, near Nottingham ;
also a series of C. grammatica, Boda, for comparison. The Bev. F. D. Morice,
a specimen of Crabro (Lindenius) alhilabris, F., $? , with abnormal ocelli ; also
a photograph, from nature, of eggs in situ, laid in a rose-stem in a double row
by Vallisnieri's " Mosca dei Bosai," Arge pagana, exactly as in the author's
original figure. The Bev. Gr. Wheeler, a gynandromorphous specimen of
Plebeius argyrognomon taken by him in the Val Maggia on July 13th this year,
exactly halved, the right wings being $ , the left $ . Also an extreme example
of ab. persica of Polyommatus icarus taken on the marshes at Altmatt, on July
11th, and a $ of Pararge msera with symmetrical deeply concave costa of both
fore-wings, taken on the Via Mala on July 17th ; also a well-marked series of
Pieris manni from Vernayaz, taken on July 5th this year. Mr. Prideaux, a very
perfect example of Rumicia phlseas, ab. schmidtii ; also a J1 Polyommatus icarus,
ab. obsoleta, and some very blue ? ? of the latter species, all taken in the
neighbourhood of Brasted, N. Kent. Mr. Donisthorpe, specimens of Platyphora
lubbocki, Verrall, and JEnigmatias blattoides, Meinert, which he had reared in a
nest of Formica picea, Nyl., taken in the New Forest in July last. He pointed
out that he believed he had proved that these two flies were the $ and $ of the
same species. Mr. L. W. Newman (1) A curious gynandromorphic Polyommatus
icarus, the right fore- wing being ^ and the remaining three wings $ except for
one orange lunule on each of the hind-wings. (2) A curious Zygsenid of
doubtful species, being small and having four spots only, and hairy body. (3)
A short series of Epicnaptera ilicifolia, bred from the wild $ taken May,
1913, at Cannock Chase by Mr. Oliver. (4) A pair of beautiful Neuria sapo-
narias from the Cork coast, the ground-colour being a rich pink instead of
the usual yellowish colour. The following papers were read : — " Contributions
to the Life-history of Polyommatus eros," by T. A. Chapman, M.D.., F.Z.S., F.E.S. ;
" Barthenogenesis in Worker-bees at the Cape/' by B. W. Jack, F.E.S. ;
" Description of New Species of Catasticta," by W. F. H. Bosenberg, F.E.S. ;
" Bevision of the Species of the Genus Odynerus (Hymenoptera) occurring in
the Ethiopian Region," by G. Meade- Waldo, M.A., F.E.S. ; " Some remarks on
the Coccid Genus Leucaspis, with descriptions of two new species," by E.
Ernest Green, F.E.S.— Geo Wheelek, Hon. Sec.
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CONTENTS. page.
Coleoptera in the Aberdeen district {concluded). — Major A. 0. C. Watson,
R.A.M.C. 257
Gabrius primigenius, Joy, a new British beetle. — Norman H. Joy, M.R.C.S.,
F.E.S 258
Notes on some British species of Haltica. — D. Sharp, M.A., F.E.S 259
Notes on the Australian Xylophilidae described by Blackburn, with a descrip-
tion of a remarkable new species from Queensland (with figure) . — G. C.
Champion, F.Z.S 264
Observations on the life-history of Methoca ichneumonoides, Latr. — S. G. and
R.J. Champion 266
Homonotus (Pompilus) sanguinolentus, F., in Surrey : with notes on the
characters of the <J and the distribution and nomenclature of the genus,
by the Rev. F. B. Morice, M.A., F.E.S.— Id 270
Euthrips tamicola, a new species of Thysanoptera from the flowers of the
Black Bryony.— Richard S. Bagnall, F.L.S : 27a
The food-plant of Platyptilia miantodactyla. — Son. N. Charles Rothschild,
M.A., F.L.S 274
Euperitelus, Ch. : synonymical note. — G. C. Champion, F.Z.S 274
Abundance of Pyrameis cardui at Bridlington — G. T. Porritt, F.L.S 275
Yanessa antiopa in Norfolk. — Id 275
A possible third brood of Pieris brassicse.— James J. Walker, M.A., R.N.,
F.L.S. ..' 275
Recent Literature. — Eds 276
Review. — "Supplement to Dr. Sharp's Coleoptera of Scotland," by Anderson
Fergusson 276
Obituaries.— John H. Wood, M.B 277
William Warren, M.A., F.E.S 279
Societies. — South London Entomological and Natural History Society 280
Entomological Society of London 280
HPHE SIX COLOUEED PLATES illustrating the articles on
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| THE
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Plate XII.
Engravers Guild, Ltd.
PSEUDONYMPHA CASSIUS, Id, 2?, 6 under side.
P. DETECTA, 3d, 4?, 5 under side.
P. VIG1LANS, 7d, 8$.
December, 1914.] «qi
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF PSEUDONYMPHA
(8ATYBINAE) FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
BY ROLAND TBIMEN, M.A., F.E.S.
PSEUDONYMPHA DETECTA, 8p. YhOV. (Plate XII, ff. 3-6).
Closely allied to, and intermediate between, P. cassius (Grodt.),
and P. vigilans, Trim., but nearer to the former.
Exp. al. (<J) l"3i-6'" ; ( ? ) r8f-5'"
(J . Greyish-brown ; fore-wing with a large disco-cellular .and discal
deep-fulvous patch ; hind-wing with a small discal patch of the same deep-
fulvous, not far from hind-margin, between 1st and 3rd median nervules.
Fore-wing : a well-defined moderate-sized, sub-apical, ovate, black, bluish-
bipupillate ocellus in a distinct pale-yellowish, outwardly fuscous-edged ring ;
fulvous patch ocouping discoidal cell from n :ar base, and extending beyond
it, superiorly to lower edge of ocellus, and inferiorly below median nervure and
its first nervule, but bounded externally by a sub-marginal rather indistinct
transverse dark-brown line, commencing on costa beyond ocellus; this patch is
in three examples somewhat indistinctly crossed — in one example obscurely
divided — by a shorter dark brown line just beyond extremity of discoidal
cell. Hind-wing : small discal fulvous patch bounded externally by a rather
faint sub-marginal dark-brown line, and in three examples marked on its outer
edge between 2nd and 3rd median nervules with a minute unipupillate ocellus.
Under-side. Costa and apical area of fore-wing and entire hind-wing pale
brownish-grey, more or less closely hatched and flecked generally with short,
irregular, thin, brown striolse and dots. Fore-wing : fulvous patch extending to
base itself. Hind-wing : two transverse angulated brown streaks, one before
the other about middle, usually rather indistinct, and in two examples not
traceable ; usually two minute unipupillate ocelli — the additional one between
1st and 2nd median nervules ; and also a third situated sub-apically between
sub-costal nervures.
? . Like <$ . Hind-wing : on under-side, in one of the two examples, the
minute ocelli between 2nd and 3rd median nervules are wanting; and in both
the median transverse streak is only faintly discernible.
Differs from P. cassius on the upper-side of fore-wing in the much
larger fulvous space, which begins much nearer base and rises higher
in discoidal cell ; and of hind-wing in possessing a small fulvous discal
patch on median nervules, while the conspicuous two sub-marginal
ocelli near anal angle in caseins are either wauling altogether or only
the upper one of them is very minutely represented. < >u 1 he under-side
in the fore -wing the fulvous space is not so much more developed than
in cassius as it is on upper-side ; while in the hind-wing the three small
ocelli are very minute or obsolescent ; and the ground-colour of both
wings is much greyer and paler, and its striolation and two transverse
282 [December,
angulated streaks are much fainter and without the strong rufous
tinge so pronounced in cassius.
This form of Fseudonympha agrees with P. vigilans on the upper-
side as regards the possession of the small fulvous patch on median
nervules of hind-wing, but differs in having a larger fulvous area in
fore-wing ; it differs further on both surfaces in the smaller, less circular,
but more conspicuously yellowish-ringed ocellus of the fore-wing, and
in wanting or presenting only in very minute form the two (sub-apical
and sub-anal-angular) ocelli on the under-side of the hind-wing ; also
this last-named surface is less densely striolated and freckled generally,
leaving the two transverse irregular striae more pronounced.
As long ago as October 21st, 1863, I took two £ <$ of this
jpseudonympha in Bain's Kloof, the mountain road between Wellington
and Worcester, in the south-western district of Cape Colony. I
regarded these at the time as a variation of P. casshis, but have always
kept them in my collection of South African butterflies not among
but just apart from my series of cassius. Dr. Longstaff's most
interesting re-discovery— after so long an interval as fifty years— of
this form in both sexes, occurred at Caledon, in the same south-west
district of the Cape Province (but perhaps between 30 and 40 miles
south-west of Bain's Kloof), five males and two females having been
captured by him from January 23rd to February 3rd, 1914.
Mr. N. I). Riley pointed out to Dr. Longstaff that in the British
Museum (Natural History) there is a single $ Pseudonymplia identical
in characters with the specimens above diagnosed as P. detecta, n. sp.
This example formed part of the series of P. casshis in the Hewitson
Collection, received by the Museum about the year 1878, but bears no
record of date of capture, or label of locality beyond that of " South
Africa."
EXPLANATION OF PLATE XII.
SOUTH AFRICAN SATYR1NAE OF THE GENUS PSEUDONYMPHA.
Fig. 1. — Pseudonympha cassius, Godart, <J ; Caledon, Jan. 23rd, 1914.
Fig. 2. — P. cassius, ? ; Knysna, Feb. 20th, 1914.
Fig. 3. — P. detecta, Trimen, $ ; Caledon, Jan. 29th, 1914.
Fig. 4.— P. detecta, $ ; Caledon, Feb. 2nd, 1914.
Fig. 5. — P. detecta, under-side ; Caledon, Feb. 3rd, 1914.
Fig. 6. — P. cassius, under-side; George, Feb. 15th, 1914.
Fig. 7.— P. vigilans, Trimen, <? ; Table Mt., March 16th, 1914.
Pig 8.— P. vigilans, Trimen, ? ; Table Mt., March 16th, 1914.
Glaslyn, Waterden Eoad, Guildford .-
October 10th, 1914.
1914.1 283
LYGUS BUBICUNDUS, Fall.:
AN ADDITION TO THE LIST OF BEITISH HEMIPTEBA.
BY EYA. BUTLER, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S.
I have recently received from Mr. H. Fortescue Fryer, for
determination, a specimen of the above Capsid, one of four which he
took in October last by sweeping in a ditch of mixed herbage at
Holwoods, Hunts, on the borders of Cambridgeshire. He has since
taken four others at the bottom of a bare hedge and one amongst dead
leaves, all in the same neighbourhood, where the insect seems to be
extremely local. The latter specimens were evidently preparing for
hibernation.
L. rubicundus may easily be distinguished from the other British
species of the genus by its robust and rather broad form, and the
extreme shortness of the antennae. The following description will be
sufficient for its recognition.
L. rubicundus, Fall.
Oblong-oval, with pronotnm strongly convex ; rather shining reddish
ochreons, often more or less tinged with fuscous. Pronotum, scutellum, and hemi-
elytra closely and finely punctured, and thickly covered with fine pubescence.
Scutellum transversely finely striate. Extreme apex of cuneus dark. Membrane
smoky with darker markings, cell-nerves reddish yellow. Antennse with basal joint
rather stout, second joint much shorter than is usual in Lygus, only slightly
longer than width of head, including eyes, third and fourth joints subequal in
length, the two together about as long as second. Legs and antennse reddish
yellow, posterior femora with two indistinct reddish rings ; anterior tibia? with-
out outstanding spines, the others with pale spines ; terminal tarsal joint dark
at apex, claws reddish. Rostrum dark at apex, just passing intermediate coxae
Length 5 mm.
The insect has several varieties, depending on the varying degree
of development in the fuscous markings, some being almost entirely
brown. As food-plants, or possibly host-plants, Reuter gives Salix,
Alnus, Quercus, Prunus padus, Corylus, especially the first-mentioned.
He also states that this is one of the species that leave their food-plants
when the leaves fall, in order to hibernate in coniferous trees or else-
where. According to Flor, it is found also in meadows and on heaths.
It is distributed through a large part of the Palsearctic Eegion, and
occurs as far north as 63° 40' N. lat. According to Horvath it occurs
also in N. America.
I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Fryer for the addition of the
above specimen to my collection.
56, Cecile Park, Crouch End, N. : -/^W^o'iiari Iflsf/'/yT?
November 9th, 1914. //^ C-
ZA-S'o 1S f
&
284 [December,
SOME FUKTHUK KEMAKKS ON AEPOPHILUS BONNAIREI, Sign.
BY JAMES H. KEYS, F.E.S.
Iii the issue of this Magazine for September, 1890 (Vol. XXVI,
p. 247), I recorded that a specimen of the sub-marine Hemipteron'
Aepophilus bonnairei, Sign., the pubescence on whose integument had
been thoroughly wetted by immersion in a vessel containing sea- water
was thereby rendered almost helpless. This result appeared remark-
able to me from the fact that, in my experience, the insect's head-
quarters were uncovered by water at spring tides only— indeed, they
impinge on the Laminarian zone — and that therefore for several days in
succession the creature lives submerged, and has, I believe, no access
to the outer atmosphere. All the air available for respiration would
seem to be that which remains imprisoned in the holes in the stones
under which it lives, and in the ground beneath them, with the addition
of the supply with which it probably surrounds itself by means of
its dense pubescence. The mature insect has spiracles on seven of its
abdominal segments.
Thinking over these facts later on, I began to wonder if Aepo-
pliilus had really any need of tbe sea at all. Would it not thrive
equally well if one could artificially reproduce the necessary sub-
aquatic conditions ? If so, its life-history could perhaps be worked
out. With this view many trials were made and as many failures
resulted, the insects living at most for a few days only.
The experiments proved progressively educational, however, and
eventually a qualified success was achieved by keeping the specimens
in a box lined with glass. Its size was 10"x6"x4". Four wooden
sides were fixed together, glass fitted inside, and a glass top and
bottom added. The box was then pivoted at the top of (and between)
two uprights 15 inches high, nailed to a wooden base. Being suspended
in this way one could examine the underside with ease, as well as tilt
the box as desired. Then a suitable stone, well covered with muddy
slime, etc., from the habitat, was selected and carefully brought home
and deposited in the box. The Aepophili were then added. A bottle
of sea- water was also procured with which to keep the stone as nearly
as possible in its original wet state. This was effected by gently
sprinkling as often as necessary. In a few days, or as soon as it
appeared to be desirable, a fresh stone was obtained. The sea- water
was a source of trouble in my first efforts. It was collected too
near the town, and being much contaminated, rapidly putrefied and
1914.] 285
killed the insects. This difficulty was overcome by obtaining the
water from a point on the coast several miles seawards.
After many failures during 1895-6, I succeeded in 1897 in rearing
two examples to the imago stage. They were larvae in February, and
matured on June 12th following. Except for a distinct deficiency in
size they were perfect specimens, and I still possess them in my collec-
tion, as well as several of the cast skins of other individuals. What
the creatures fed upon I am unable to say, but it must have been
something provided by the slimy stones. It is hardly conceivable that
the insects lived for four months and endured the physical strain of
one or two moults without sustenance.
In connection with the question of food I may say that I do
not know whether the setae of the proboscis vary in form in the
species of Hemiptera allied to Aepophilus, but in a comparison recently
made by me of the setae of the latter with those of Salda cocksii, Curt.,
I could detect no important differences.
After 1897, I had to desist from further research on account of
a change in my home arrangements. Circumstances have never since
been favourable to a renewal of the work, and as it now seems that
an opportunity is not again likely to occur, I thought it desirable to
make known such results as I had obtained.
It may be well to add further that instinctive solicitude for the
young is much in evidence with the species. It was common to see
in my breeding cage, on the underside of the stone, a circle of young
with an adult in the centre, the heads of the immatures being all
oriented towards this centre. On my lifting out the stone the adult
would almost instantly alarm the young with a rapid tap with each
antenna alternately, and the whole troop would scamper round to the
other side of the stone with great speed.
Aepophilus, mature and immature, has been taken by me from
February to October, inclusive. I have no record of searching for it
in the three remaining months of the year, bxit it is, I think, quite
safe to conclude that it breeds and can be found in all its stages
throughout the year.
7, Whimple Street, Plymouth :
October 30th, 1914.
286 [December,
WHAT WAS SPHEX XANTHOCEPHALA, Forster
(A British Insect, but ignored in British Lists) ?
BY THE REV. P. D. MOEXCE, M.A., F.E.S.
So long ago as in 1771 the once-celebrated author and traveller
J. R. Forster — deserving to be remembered inter alia as the naturalist
who accompanied Cook on his second voyage— published in London
the description of a black and yellow fossorial wasp, which he named
as above, and whose habitat he gives as " Anglia." The description —
with certain not unimportant omissions — was reproduced by Gmelin
in hi? edition (1790) of " Systema Natnrse," but it seems to have
entirely escaped the notice of British authors, and I can find no
allusion to such an insect in the works of Shuckard or F. Smith or
E. Saunders. It is mentioned, however, with a note of interrogation
prefixed, in v. Dalla Torre's Catalogue as possibly synonymous with
Phihmtlius triangulum, F. ; and if this identification could be estab-
lished, the latter well known Dame would have to be abandoned, since
the earliest description of triangulum was in 1775 — four years later
than the publication of xantlwcepliala. But I think it is demonstrable
that xanthocepliala was not triangulum, but a much more common
British insect, whose name is fortunately unalterable, having been
fixed by Linne in 1758 in the 10th edition of " Systema Naturse."
Forster's description, though naturally based almost exclusively
on colour-characters, is very careful and full of detail. He tells us
that the size of the insect was that of Crabro cribrarius, L. ; that the
apices of the wings were ' fuscescentes ' (which can hardly be said of
triangulum), and that the basal joint of the antennae was yellow (in
triangulum, except in some quite southern forms, it is generally
entirely black, or at most bears a small yellow spot which easily
escapes notice). But the description of the abdomen makes it, I
think, quite clear that the insect in question is not triangulum. It
runs thus : " Abdomen nigrum ; margines segmentorum 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
fasciis flavis cincti, subtus puncta flava utrinque duo." This, as I
read it, can only describe an insect with the basal segment of its
abdomen entirely black, and with the segments following belted each
with yellow at the apical margin only of its dorsal plate, while, on the
ventral side, the abdomen is black entirely except that two of its plates
have roundish spots (puncta !) on their sides. Now having examined
countless foreign specimens and several British ones of triangulum,
both <§ J and ? ° , I have never seen among them anything at all
resembling the above coloration. Even in the darkest forms, the basal
1914]
287
dorsal-plate lias two large and conspicuous (subtriangular) lateral
patches of yellow colour, and the segments following, instead of a
mere " marginal belting " of that colour, have practically their whole
sides yellow right np to the base of each ring. The venter also is
much more largely yellow than black, some segments are yellow right
across, and all are widely so at their sides at least (never merely
spotted with yellow !)
After considering the claims of all the black and yellow British
Fossors yet described, I have come to the conclusion that there is one,
and only one, in which I can recognise every single character ascribed
by Forster to his xanthocephala— viz., the <$ of the common and well-
known Cerceris arenaria, F. Two possible objections to this identi-
fication ought perhaps to be met before accepting it, but both in my
opinion can be met quite completely.
1. It may be asked — since Forster was undoubtedly familiar
with Linne's descriptions of arenaria in " Sy sterna Nature " and
" Fauna Suecica," why did he fail to recognise the species when he
met with it ?
But, if these descriptions be consulted, it will be found that the
characters given in them are those of the $ . Although the two sexes
of arenaria are very similar, they differ in points, which in Forster's
day might quite well have been thought to indicate specific difference,
e.g., arenaria ? has generally yellow markings on the basal segment,
and on its face — instead of the ( <$ ) " macula magna flava posticetri-
fida " described by Forster — it has as Linne states in Faun. Suec.
" three yellow spots."
2. It has been suggested to me that Forster's expression abdo-
mine subsessili does not well apply to a Cerceris, since in that genus
the basal segment is more or less coarctate and might be called
a petiole.
But abdomine subsessili is a Linnean phrase, and Forster no doubt
uses it in the Linnean sense. Linne in Sy sterna Naturae divides all the
species of Sphex into two groups only, viz. (1) " abdomine pet iolato,
petiolo elongato, and (2) " abdomine subsessili,,, or, as we might say,
(1) Long-waisted forms, and (2) Short- waisted forms. In the first
division he places species now reckoned under Sphex, Scelip>hron,
Trypoxylon, &c, where the abdomen is evidently " stalked " ; in the
second all other Fossors, Cerceris included, e.g., arenaria, the very
species now under consideration.
Obviously it is prima facie more likely that Forster should have
288
[December,
met " in England " with the common and widely distributed arenaria
than with the rare and local triangulum, though possibly the latter may
not have been quite so rare with us in the 18th century as it has been
ever since. But I do not desire to press this point, believing the case
to be complete without it.
I conclude, then, that xanthocephala, Forster (1771) should be
treated as a synonym of arenaria, L. (1758), and should not be
considered as a possible earlier name for triangulum., F.
Brunswick, Woking :
October 10th, 1914.
Xantholinus cribripennis, Fauvel, in Oxfordshire and Berkshire. — Whilst turn-
ing out a mole's nest near Oxford, on October 17th, 1914, a pale Xantholinus
was taken, which I was satisfied was a $ of X. cribripennis, but as I do not
not know of any pronounced character for this sex, I did not cai-e to record it
from a southern locality upon a single female example. Upon mentioning
this to my colleague Mr. J. Collins, he examined his series of X. linearis, 01.,
and found one taken at Cothill, Berks, on April 3rd, 1910, which he thought
might be another example of X. cribripennis, and not an immature form of
X. linearis, as he had at first considered it. On critically examining this
example, I found it to be an undoubted $ of X. cribripennis, the notched
Fig. a.
Fig. b.
upper-plate (fig. a.) and excavate under-plate (fig. b.) of the seventh
abdominal segment being identical with those of examples from Dalwhinnie,
ex coll. N. H. Joy, in my possession. I also examined examples in Commander
Walker's collection, which he very kindly placed at my disposal, and found that
the Co. Donegal example, ex coll. J. N. Halbert, with some similar to my own
1914.]
289
from Dalwhinnie, ex coll. N. H. Joy, wore all identical. An example from
Thurso, Caithness, taken by the Eev. A. Thornley, which had been given to
Commander Walker as X. distans, was also typical X. cribripennis.
As I have not seen any mention of the very distinct male character in
X. crihripennis, I have made drawings of the two plates. — H. Britten, 2, Hope
Villas, High Street, Headington, Oxon : November 16th, 1914.
Note on the heath-frequenting species of the genus Haltica.— Dv. Sharp, in his
account of the three species of this genus living upon heaths (antea, pp. 259-
264), states that the male of one of them, H. ericeti, AIL, is unknown to him.
This insect is quoted by him from Surrey, from specimens captured by myself
at Frensham, Esher, Woking, &c. He was not aware, however, at the time,
that I had five males from Frensham, found on the same day, as well as one
from Chobham, and another from the Lizard, all from heath. These seven
males are very like the only male of the northern H. britteni in my collection,
but differ from it in having the basal joint of the anterior and intermediate
tarsi a little less dilated. The ajdeagus of these two insects appears to me to
be precisely similar in form. — G. C. Champion, Hoi'sell : November 9th, 1914.
Abundance of Pyrameis cardui near Sheffield. — On Sept. 7th, while on the
Penistone-Sheffield Moors, I was surprised and delighted to see Pyrameis cardui
in some numbers. In the immediate neighbourhood of Broomhead Hall it was
by far the commonest butterfly seen. The day was hot and sunny. Last year,
rather earlier (nearly a month to be exact), I saw a few of this species on the
Humber side of the Spurn peninsula. When settled on flowers of the
sea-holly, they offered a beautiful contrast in colour. — E. G. Bayford, Barnsley :
November 9th, 1914,
Pyrameis cardui near London. — To-day I saw a very perfect specimen of
Pyrameis cardui in my garden at Putney Heath. It is interesting, I think, to
meet with this erratic butterfly so close to London. — G. B. Longstaff,
Highlands, Putney Heath, S.W. ; September 15th, 1914.
Third brood of Pieris brassicse. — Eeferring to Commander Walker's note in
this Magazine for November, I should like to mention that on October 17th,
19th, and 24th I saw P. brassicse flying in my garden here, and on October 20th
a single specimen of P. rapse. — G. T. Ltle, Brock enhurst : November 7th, 1914.
Buddleia and butterflies : an American note. — The following letter, recently
received by me from Mr. Fred. C. Bowditch of Brookline, Mass., U.S.A., is an
interesting confirmation of my note on the attraction of Bibddleia for Lepido-
ptera on p. 248 of the current volume of this Magazine : " Our summer residence
(where we have a flower garden) is at Marion, on Buzzard's Bay. Last spring
we set out two Buddleia variabilis, and they attained a height of about eight
feet, and were covered with blooms from about August 1st until we left on
290 [December,
September 17th. I remarked to my wife and various visitors that one of the
charms of Budclleia was that it was such a favourite with butterflies, far ahead
of all our other garden flowers or shrubs ; sometimes as many as a dozen on it
at once, also very many Diptera, and in the evening many Noctuse. I did not
notice any beetles, but the forms mentioned were noticeable by their constant
attendance. It was so great a favourite with us that we expect to have a bed of
ten or a dozen plants next year, and I expect all the butterflies of the neigh-
bourhood. I thought you might be interested in this corroboration of your
observations." — James J. Walker, Oxford : November 12th, 1914.
Some more British records of Danaida plexippus. — Mr. N. V. Sidgwick, of
Lincoln College, Oxford, has just kindly shown me a $ example of Danaida
plexippus in fairly good condition, which he captured on the undercliff at Lyme
Regis, on August 14th, 1886, " immediately after a westerly gale." I am also
indebted to Mr. A. H. Swinton for calling my attention to a specimen of this
butterfly, stated by the late Mr. G. C. Bignell to have been taken in 1885, in
the Citadel Road, Plymouth. I well remember my old friend telling me that
D. plexippus had been taken in the Plymouth district, but up to the present I
had thought that he referred to the specimen taken by Mr. F. F. Freeman in
the same year, a few miles to the westward, at Downderry, Cornwall (anted,
p. 227). Mr. South has also kindly referred me to a record by Mr. W. J. Lucas,
in the " Entomologist," vol. XXX, p. 18, under the Cramerian name of Anosia
menippe, of a specimen seen, but missed, at Newlands Corner, near Guildford,
Surrey, on July 12th, 1896. I had overlooked this record when compiling my
table of the British occurences of the butterfly. — J. J. Walker.
Aculeate Hymenoptera in the Woking district. — This year we almost com-
pletely neglected Lepidoptera to devote our time and energy to getting together a
sample collection of Fossores, Diploptera, and Anthophila from this corner of
Surrey. The productive early spring season was neglected, so that several
quite common species were missed, and our collecting grounds were almost
confined to the Horsell and Chobham sand heathland, but we think it may be
of interest to note briefly what sort of selection may fall to the nets of two
novices in a short season ; in all some 155 species have been named, all the
more critical of these with the help or confirmation of the Rev. F. D. Morice,
to whom we are indebted for much kind assistance.
The species marked with an asterisk are additions to the "Victoria
History " Surrey list.
Mutillid^s : Mutilla europxa ; Myrmosa melanocephala, $ $ not rare, up
to a dozen being procurable on a suitable day, and a single $ taken on
flowers ; Methoca ichneumonoides, not rare, but less frequent than the last.
Observations were made on the habits of this species (c/. Ent. Mo. Mag., Nov.
1914, pp. 266-270).
TiPHiiDiE : Tiphia femorata* one $ on an umbel of Fwniculum vnlgare, at
Horsell ; this species does not appear in the county list.
Pompilid-s: : 15 species, including Pompilus bicolor, not rare ; P. rufipes, a
couple ; P. cinctellus ; P. pectinipes, one specimen ; Homonotus sanguinolentus
1914.] 291
$ and ? [cf. Ent, Mo. Mag., Nov. 1914, p. 270] ; Salius pusillus, two specimens,
with abundance of S.parvulus and S. exaltatus ; and Ceropales maculata, singly.
Sphegid-s: .- 34 species, including- all three species of Trypoxylon, and all
four of Ammophila, though of A. Mrsuta and A. lutaria only one example each
were taken ; Mimesa shuckardi, singly with M. birolor ; Gorytes quadrifasciatus,
common ; a single specimen of the rare G. bicinctus ; Cerceris arenaria, C. labiata,
and C. ornata, all common ; one example of Oxybelus mandibularis, with plenty
of the common 0. uniglumis ; Crabro clavipes, common in one locality ; C.
gonager and C. palmarius ; C. varius, not rare ; C. panzeri; Astata boops, accom-
panied by its parasite, Hedychridium roseum (Chrysididie) seen but not caught.
Diploptera : 11 species, none of note.
Colletid^; : 8 species. The rare Prosopis genalis* was taken in thi*ee
different localities; /'. brevicornis.
Andrenid;e : 4G species, including Halictus zonulus, H. decipicns and
H, minutus; Andrena argent at a, common ; A. cetii, a few examples; A. analis,
A. denticulata, and A varians; Macropis labiata on Lysimachia vulgaris, not
rare ; Dasypoda hirtipes, a <j> on the Hog's Back, Sept. 5th, and a $ at Horsell,
July 25th ; Cilissa leporina ; both species of Panurgus, not rarely ; Nomada
sexfasciata ; N. lineola and N. jacobsem ; N. alboguttata, abundant with its host,
Andrena argentata.
Apid^; : 37 species, including Epeolus rufipes, common ; E. productus, which
is recorded from Woking in Saunders' work, btit does not appear in the later
Stirrey list ; Ccelioxys elongata, C. rufescens, C. quad rid ent at a, and C. acuminata,
only the first being at all frequent ; Megachile maritima, abundant ; M. ligniseca ;
M. versicolor, $ $ 011iy ; Anthidium manicatum, locally common; Anthophora
furcata and A. retusa ; all the British species of Psithyrus except P. distinctus ;
Bombus jonellus, common on the heaths. — H. G. and E. J. Champion, Horsell :
October l-Uh, 1914.
'•' The Genitalia op the British Geometridjs." The Genitalia of The
Group Geometridae of the Lepidoptera of the British Islands. An account of
the morphology of the male clasping organs, and the corresponding organs of
the female. By F. N. Pierce, F.E.S. Illustrated by the Author. Liverpool :
F. N. Pierce. 1914. xxix + 84 pp., 48 plates.
This companion volume to that dealing with the Noctuidx by the same
author, published in 1909, embodies the result of several years' patient research,
in which he has had — as acknowledged in the preface — the constant co-operation
of Rev. C. E. N. Burrows. The modest motto adopted (" even the smallest
contribution to our knowledge adds to the common store") does less than
justice to the work, which is a mine of exact information on the special
branch of morphology of which it treats.
The introduction (pp. xvii — xxix) gives a systematic account and nomen-
292 [December,
clature of the parts and introduces various new terms, as well as many which
have been proposed by the author and other workers earlier. The law of
priority is faithfully observed, so that a few names used in the " Noctuidse "
volume have had to sink. The nomenclature is becoming rather formidable,
but must needs be mastered by all who aim at precision. Mr. Pierce is probably
justified in protesting that " such obscure phrases as medio dorsal process" are
reprehensible.
To the earlier volume, it was objected in some quarters that Mr. Pierce had
not the courage of his convictions on the question of the genera, or systematic
grouping of the species, so that while frequent attention was called to the fact
that such-and-such species were " strongly generic," or that others which had
been associated with them in the same genus were " very distinct," no new
taxonomic arrangement was given, and the author's scheme or views of
classification remained difficidt to grasp. In the present volume a com-
plete re-classification of the Geometridse, based exclusively on the genitalia, is
presented. The ideal method of dealing with the taxonomic question without
undue complications as regards nomenclature has evidently still to be devised ;
if Mr. Pierce's present method is to be followed in every monograph or memoir
dealing with a particular organ or structure, we shall have probably as many
systems as there are works of this class, and none will have any claim to accept-
ance outside itself. It is a common saying, and almost a platitude, that the
perfect system is that which takes account of the whole, organism, but as that
can only be reached through a series of specialistic studies such as that upon
which Mr. Pierce is engaged, we think he has upon the whole done wisely to
present the species in that sequence which his particular studies dictated, and
our only hesitation is whether it was equally wise to call his conceptions
" genera," or furnish them with generic names. As a matter of fact, however,
many of the genera are not diagnosed, so that their characterization is left to
conjecture or to laborious deductions from the descriptions of the species. Thus
it seems doubtful whether it would not have sufficed to treat the various
"groups" (sub-families) as the genera, for these are defined, and then usually
follow at once the species, merely with generic names prefixed.
The author divides the family into two main divisions, Gnathoi and
Agnathoi, the former with gnathos developed, the latter with " Gnathos reduced
to a mere thickening of chitine, or absent," as seems to have been tentatively
proposed by Chapman (see Prout, Gen. Ins. Brephins, p. 6). On the whole it
yields satisfactory results — i.e., such as are supported by, or at least compatible
with, those deducible from other known characters ; but it is not in itself quite
absohite, though " the species falling within the Gnathoi, but having the
gnathos rudimentary or atrophied, are so few that they may be left out of con-
sideration" (p. xxi). The further characterized groups (sub-families) are, in
the Gnathoi, Geometrinie, Ourapterygirwe, Ennominx, Macarinx, Bistoninx, Boar-
miinse, Eranninx (Hibemia, auctt. etc.), Gnophinx, Abraxinse, Ptychodinx, 10 in
all; in the Agnathoi, Acidaliinx, Cosymbiinx (Zonosoma, Led., etc.), Astheninx,
Oporiniinx (Operophtera, etc.), Eupitheciinx, Melanthiinse, Philereminx (ve-
tulata and rhamnata only), Lobophorinx, Entepliriinx, Cidariinse, Therinx,
19H.] 293
Epirrhoiiur, Xanthorhoinie, Ortholithinse, Chesiadinx, 15 in all. Thus the
Gnathoi consist of the Larentiinse combined with a part of the Acidaliinse of
the current systems ; it is curious that the rest of the last-named (as Ptycho-
podinx) fall in the Gnathoi, but we have long been told that the old " Acidalia "
was very heterogeneous, though we should have doubted the necessity for
a sub-family separation.
Space forbids a detailed account of the lower groupings. Mr. Pierce finds
Aplasto, ononaria related to Pseudoterpna pruinata, which is interesting, inas-
much as Meyrick, by the neuration, at one time referred it to the " Emerald "
sub-family. Lithina petraria and Pachycnemia hippocastanaria are rather un-
expectedly found among the "Thorns." Aleucis pictaria is considered to have
affinity with Theria rupicapraria. Parascotia ■ fuliginaria is placed, though with
hesitancy, in the Gosymbiinse ; was not Mr. Pierce aware that the larva and the
neui-ation had long ago led to its entire detachment from the Geometridee ? He
admits that the uncus is perhaps Noctuid. The presence of labides in the genus
Coenocalpe, similar to those of Eupithecia, lends some colour to Meyrick's asso-
ciation of some members of each in a sigle genus (Eucymatoge), though not
fully justifying it. The genus Entephria, on which Dr. Chapman published a
valuable note (Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., lxxvii, pp. 497-500), is made to include also
multistrigaria and olivata, but pectinitaria — so near to- olivata on all other
characters — is separated as Amoebe ; in considering whether this was really
necessary from Mr. Pierce's standpoint, we again feel the need of generic
diagnoses, but probably the very different uncus was responsible.
In the difficult genus Eupithecia, we have to thank Mr. Pierce for some
good, careful work, but unfortunately some of the most closely allied pairs or
groups of forms have failed to yield tangible differences, so that we are still
left in uncertainty as to whether they should be regarded as species. This is
the case with denotata-jasioneata, sobrinata-anglicata (in error, angelicata, a
regrettable confusion, as there is a form of albipunctata of this name), fraxi-
nata-innoiata-tamarisciata, satyrata-curzoni-callunaria, goossensiata-knautiata-
absinthiata. By the way, p. 45 (sobrinata, etc.), should read, " these two forms "
as stevensata is a synonym of anglicata • it would have been helpful to the eye,
here and elsewhere, if synonyms had been printed in a different type from the
valid names. A few errors in Petersen's work on this genus (Iris, xxii, pp. 203-
314) are coi-rected.
Chlorissa viridata is shown to be differentiable from its close ally, porrinata.
The latter and a few other non-British, or doubtfully British forms are included
in the work for purposes of comparison, or on the assumption that they may
turn out to be British.
There are, as is perhaps almost inevitable, a feAv misprints or lapses in the
transcription of names ; thus, Hipparchis stands for Hipparchus, marginipunctata
for marginepunctata, Lythia for Lythria, etc., and a rather embarrassing use
of capitals for the names of species (due to their being printed uninomially
except in the case of the first species of a genus) is a not very welcome sur-
vival from the " Noctuidx " volume. But these are slight blemishes, and we
294 [December,
are able to commend very cordially the clear and accurate presentation of the
material, and to wish the work the success which it so well deserves.
We are glad to learn that a similar account of the genitalia of the Tortri-
cidse is to follow at no distant date. — L.B.P.
" The Label List of British Lepidoptera " : compiled after several
standard authorities. London : Watkins and Doncaster, 36, Strand, W.C. 1914.
The title of this list, of which the printing and paper leave nothing to be
desired, is somewhat misleading, as only the names of the so-called " Macro-
Lepidoptera " with the addition of the " Pyrales " and " Crambites " are included
in it. While a really complete and " up-to-date " list for labelling our cabinets
is still a desideratum, the one now noticed will, we think, hardly satisfy the
more advanced collectors and students of our Lepidoptera. The generic and
specific names are mostly in accordance with modern ideas, but one synonym at
most is given, and the entire absence of author's names — which would have added
greatly to the value of the list, and would not have appreciably increased the
size of the labels — is much to be regretted. That the demand for " English "
names still exists in full force is evident by the prominence given to these
quaint survivals ; though we confess to a certain amount of respect for the
majority of these titles, which amid the welter of recent changes in nomen-
clature, have remained unaltered from the days of Haworth and the old
" Aurelians." The " popular " names of recent additions to our list are scarcely
as happy as some at least of the old ones, and we could have wished that our
distinguished visitor, " Anosia archippms," included without comment in the
list of Rhopalocera, had retained one of its long-established and appropriate
American designations as the "Milkweed Butterfly," or the "Monarch."
#l)iluarg.
It is with great regret that we record the death of William Warren, who
passed away on October 18th at Tring, at the ripe age of 75.
William Warren was an entomologist well known to the majority of
workers in this country. He was born at Cambridge in 1839, and was first
educated at Oakham School, and subsequently graduated at Cambridge, taking
first-class classical honours. It was probably for this reason that he
selected the profession of schoolmaster as that which he wished to follow,
and on leaving the University he entered Doncaster Grammar School. He
was always, from his earliest youth, greatly attached to the study of Entom-
ology, the hobby being favoured by his acquaintance with Messrs. T. and J.
Brown, of Cambridge. No man knew the entomology of Cambridge and its
surroundings better than William Warren, and it was he who first directed the
19*4-] 295
attention of the late Albert Houghton towards the study of the insects in
Wicken Fen.
The " discovery " of Chippenham Fen as an entomological Mecca was the
work of Warren, who, knowing that this interesting spot was carefully worked
for plants by the late Mr. William Cross, of Ely, started searching there for
Lepidoptera, and turned up in the same year Plusia chryson and Bankia argentula.
He likewise discovered there Asthenia pygmseana, and also, in the neighbouring
locality, the still rarer Rhyacionia posticana.
As a collector Warren was absolutely indefatigable, and his knowledge
of the British Isles was remarkable. We doubt if many entomologists have
tramped over such a large area of this country, not excluding the late F. Bond.
There is no doubt that his first and last love were the so-called Micro-lepidoptera
of Britain, and his knowledge of them was truly remarkable. He was the
first to discover Laspeyresia pallifrontana in this country, and was well to the
fore in the finding of the larva of Pamplusia pauperana, while he shares the
re-discovery of Platyptilia rhododactyla in recent years.
As a field worker and companion in pursuit of his favourite hobby, Warren
had no equal. No day was too long for him, no climb too strenuous. Up to
the end of his life he was still vigorous and hearty, and could tramp many
miles without showing any apparent fatigue.
But to go back to his life's work. Warren, after leaving Doncaster School,
relinquished the calling of schoolmaster altogether and went in for Entomology
pure and simple. He worked at the Geometridse in the British Museum and
also did much work for the Tring Museum, in the service of which institution
he passed away. We all deplore his loss, and if there is one quality which
Warren possessed in a pre-eminent degree, it was the quality of optimism. No
matter under what circumstances, he always felt confident that things must
and would come right in the end.
^octettes.
The South London Entomological and Natural History Society :
Thursday, Oct. 22nd, 1914.— Mr. B. H. Smith, B.A., F.E.S., President, in the
Chair.
The evening was set apart for an exhibit and discussion of the genus
Anthrocera, introduced by Mr. B. S. Curwen.
Mr. Curwen exhibited a collection of Palaaarctic Anthroceridse, consisting
of some twenty-six species and forms. Dr. E. A. Cockayne, the series of A.
hippocrepidis from the late Mr. J. W. Tutt's collection, with various series of
A. filipendulse, A. trifolii, A.palustris, and A. lonicerse. Mr. F. H. Stallman, early
and late races of A. trifolii, A. filipendulse, etc. Mr. Buckstone, similar series
with suggested hybrid series, trifolii and filipendulse. Dr. Chapman, a di*awer
of European Anthroceridse captured during the last few years, including A.
296 [December, 1914.
anthyllidis, A. contaminei, A. sarpedon, etc. Mr. Hy. J. Turner, series from
many localities, mainly of the five- and six-spotted species of the Transalpini-
formes group. Mr. L. W. Newman, series of bred Anthroceridie species. Papers
and notes were read and communicated by Messrs. Curwen, Cockayne, P. A.
Buxton, Turner, R. Adkin, etc. Mr. Newman exhibited long varied series of
Dianthwcia larrettii, bred from Co. Cork and from S. Devon, bred series of
Boarmia repandata from the Wye Valley and from N. Cornwall, and a series
of the rare hybrid Amorpha populi X Smerinthus ocellatus. Mr. Tonge, the same
hybrid, and a Rumicia phlseas from Deal, with the red sub-marginal band
on the hind-wing quite wanting. — Ht. J. Turner, Hon. Secretanj.
Entomological, Society of London : Wednesdaij, October 21st, 1914. -
The Hon. N. C. Rothschild, M.A., F.L.S., F.Z.S., Vice-President, in the Chair.
Messrs. L. D. Cleave, Dept. of Science and Agriculture, Georgetown, British
Guiana, and J. R. Menon, B.A., Trichur, Cochin State, South India, were
elected Fellows of the Society.
The death was announced of Mr. William Warren, M.A., F.E.S.
Dr. T. A. Chapman exhibited three abnormal specimens of Anthrocerids : —
(1) Anthrocera anthyllidis taken this summer at Gavarnie, with the left meso-
thoracic tarsus triplicated. (2) A. exulans, taken at Oberalp some twenty years
ago, having an abortive wing beneath the left anterior wing, and even a trace
of a third anterior wing beneath the second. (3) A. achillese, from Zermatt,
having symmetrical depressions of the costa, the nervures being all present as
in a normal specimen. Mr. L. W. Newman, a long and varied series of Dianthcecia
barrettii,bred from wild larvae collected in Co. Cork, and dug pupae from S. Devon.
Mr. A. E. Tonge, a specimen of the hybrid Amorpha populi, <J X Smerinthus ocel-
latus, 9 , bred ah ovo ; also a specimen of Rumicia phlseas, taken on Deal Sandhills
in September, 1914, without the red marginal band on the hind-wings. Mr. G.
Meade-Waldo, a stylopized specimen of the sand-wasp, Ammophila tydei, Guill.,
from South Africa. There were no fewer than seven Stylops parasitic on it.
Mr. E. B. Ashby, some South European butterflies, chiefly from the south of
France. Mr. Rippon, a variety of Psilura monacha, which consisted in the body
being banded with black and yellow instead of black and crimson ; also five
specimens of Triphsena fimbria, bred from Pamber Fox-est larvae, showing some
modification of the usual forms. Mr. A. H. Jones, a number of moths from
Sarepta, and read notes on them. Dr. E. A. Cockayne (a), thirty-eight gynandro-
morphous Agriades coridon from Royston ; (b) two °- $ of A. coridon from
Royston showing streaks of blue, neither with any signs of androconia ;
(c) one gynandromorphous Polyommatus icarus (Co. Clare, 1914), pre-
dominantly female ab. cserulea, but with androconia regularly arranged and
numerous.
The following paper was read : " On Hawaiian Ophioninse (Hymenoptera,
Fam. Ichneumonidw), by R. C. L. Perkins, M.A., D.Sc, F-E.S. — Geo. Wheeler,
Hon. Secretary.
END OF VOL. XXV (Second Series).
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CONTEXTS. page
Description of a new species of Pseudonympha (Satyrinse) from South Africa
(with coloured plate). — Roland Trimen, M.A., F.R.S 281
Lygus rubicundus, Fall. : an addition to the list of British Hemiptera. — E. A.
Butler, B.A., B.Sc, F.E.S 283
Some further remarks on Aepophilus bonnairei, Sign. — James H. Keys, F.E.S. 284
What was Sphex xanthocephala, Forster (a British insect, but ignored in
British Lists) ?—Sev. F. D. Morice, M.A., F.E.S 286
Xantholinus cribripennis, Fauvel, in Oxfordshire and Berkshire (with figures).
—H. Britten, F.E.S 288
Note on the heath-frequenting species of the genus Haltica. — G. C. Champion,
F.Z.S 289
Abundance of Pyrameis cardui near Sheffield. — E. G. Bat/ford, F.E.S 289
Pyrameis cardui near London. — G. B. Longstaff, M.A., M.D., F.L.S 289
Third brood of Pieris brassicse.— <?. T. Lyle, F.E.S 289
Buddleia and butterflies : an American note.— James J. Walker, M.A., R.N.,
F.L.S 289
Some more British records of Danaida plexippus. — Id 290
Aculeate Hymenoptera in the Woking district. — H. G. Champion, B.A.,
and R. J. Champion 290
Eetiews.— " The Genitalia of the British Geometridse," by F. N. Pierce, F.E.S. 291
" The Label List of British Lepidoptera " 294
Obituary.— William Warren, M.A., F.E.S 294
Societies. — South London Entomological and Natural History Society 295
Entomological Society of London 296
Title-page, Index, &c i — xvi
rpHE SIX COLOUKED PLATES illustrating the articles on
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November 4th and 18th, December 2nd, 1914. January 20th (Annual Meeting),
February 3rd, 1915.
The Chair will be taken at 8 o'clock in the evening precisely.
The Library is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on Saturdays, when it
is closed at 2 p.m.), and until 10 p.m. on Meeting nights.
THE SOUTH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY
SOCIETY, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. The Second & Fourth Thursdays
in each month, at 8 p.m. The lantern will be at the disposal of Members for the
exhibition of slides.
THE LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Room 20, Salisbury
House, London Wall, E.C. — The First and Third Tuesdays in the month, at 7 p.m.
April 7th, " Wayside Notes," L. B. Hall, F.L.S. April 21st, " Wasps and
their Ways," C. Nicholson.
Chingford Branch. Meets at the Avenue Cafe, opposite Chingford Station, at
8 p.m., on the last Friday in each month. April 24th, Paper, "The Soil," by
L. Eynon. F.I.C., F.C.S.
Woodford Branch. Meetings are held at the Wilfred Lawson Hotel, Woodford
Green, at 8 p.m., on the lust Monday in eaoh month. Room open at 7.30.
April 27th, Paper, " English Gothic Architectural Ornament," Miss F. Bagust.
Visitors are cordially invited to attend with exhibits. — Thos. R. Brooke ,
F.R.M.S., Ron. Sec, 12, Warren Road, Chingford, N.E.
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. —
Meetings : the Third Monday in each Month, October to April. Hon. Sec.
Wm. Mansbbidqe, 4, Norwich Road, Wavertree, Liverpool.
Seale of Charges for Advertisements.
Whole Page .. ..£3- Half Page .. ..£1 lis. 6d. Quarter Page 17s.
Lowest charge, 7s. up to 5 lines,; Is. per line afterwards.
Repeated or continuous Advertisements per oontract.
There is no charge for Lists of Duplicates and Desiderata-
All payments and applications for the above should be made to
B. W. LLOYD, I. 5, Albany, Piccadilly, W.
"NATURE,"
A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OP SCIENCE. PRICE, 6d.
" Natuke " contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within the domain of
Science, contributed by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also
contains Reviews of all recent scientific works ; Correspondence Columns, which
form a medium of scientific discussion and of intercommunication among men of
Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more
valuable papers which appear in foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of
the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on all
matters of current scientific interest.
Yearly ...
Half- Yearly
Quarterly
Money Orders to be made payable to MACMILLAN and CO., Ltd.
Office: St. Martin's Street, London, W.C.
THE NATURALIST:
A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.
EDITED BY
T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, P.L.S.,
Museum, Hull; Technical College, Huddersfield ;
WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF
J. GILBEBT BAKER, F.B.S., F.L.S. GEO. T. PORBITT, P.Ii.S., F.E.S.
PROP. PEBCY P. KENDALL, P.Q.S. JOHN W. TAYLOR.
T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.TJ. WILLIAM WEST, P.L.S.
This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating
back to 1833, and is circulated widely amongst the principal Naturalists of the country.
London: A. Bbown and Sons, 5, Farringdon Avenue, E.C.
PRICE, SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE.
Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d., post free ; through Booksellers, 6s. Net.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
TO " NATURE."
£ s. d.
{To all places Abroad).
£ s.
d.
18 0
Yearly
1 10
6
0 14 6
. Half- Yearly ,
0 15
8
0 7 6
Quarterly
0 8
0
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, 11, Chandos Street, Cavendish
Square, W.— Wednesdays, May 6th, June 3rd, October 7th and 21st, November
4th and 18th, Dec. 2nd, 1914. January 20th (Annual Meeting), Feb. 3rd 1915.
The Chair will be taken at 8 o'clock in the evening precisely.
The Library is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on Saturdays, when it
is closed at 2 p.m.), and until 10 p.m. on Meeting nights.
THE SOUTH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY
SOCIETY, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. The Second A Fourth Thursdays
in each month, at 8 p.m. The lantern will be at the disposal of Members for the
exhibition of slides.
THE LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Room 20, Salisbury
House, London Wall, E.C.*-The First and Third Tuesdays in the month, at 7 p.m.
May 5th, " The Research Sections," L. J. Tremayne. May 9th, Excursion to
Kew Gardens. Meet at the Palm House at 3 o'clock. Leader : R W. Robbins.
May 19th, " The Records of the Archaeological Research Committee." May 30th,
Entomological Excursion to Clandon. Leader : V. E. Shaw, F.E.S.
Woodford Branch. Meetings are held at the Wilfrid Lawson Hotel, Woodford
Green, at 8 p.m., on the last Monday in each month. Room open at 7.30.
May 25th, Paper, " A Year in my Garden," E. Bernard Cook.
Chingford Branch. The Chingford Local Branch meets at the Avenue Cafe,
opposite Chingford Station, at 8 p.m., on the last Friday in each month. May 29th,
Paper, " The Beauties of Nature," by A. T. Todd- White, M.R.C.S., L R.C.P.
Visitors are cordially invited to attend with exhibits.— Thos. R. Brooke,
F.R.M.S., Ron. Sec, 12, Warren Road, Chingford, N.B.
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. —
Meetings : the Third Monday in each Month, October to April. Hon. Sec.
Wm. MANSBBiDas, 4, Norwich Road, Wavertree, Liverpool.
Scale of Charges for Advertisements.
Whole Page! £3- Half Page £1 Us. 6d. Quarter Page 17s.
Lowest charge, 7s. up to 5 lines; Is. per line afterwards.
Repeated or continuous Advertisements per contract.
There is no charge for Lists of Duplicates and Desiderata.
All payments and applications for the above should be made to
R. W- LLOYD, I. 5, Albany, Piccadilly, W.
"NATURE,"
A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. PRICE, 6dL.
" Nature " contains Original Articles on all subjects coming within the domain of
Science, conti'ibuted by the most eminent scientific writers of the day. It also
contains Reviews of all recent scientific works ; Correspondence Columns, which
form a medium of scientific discussion and of intercommunication among men of
Science ; Accounts of the leading Scientific Serials ; Abstracts of the more
valuable papers which appear in foreign journals ; Reports of the Proceedings of
the Principal Scientific Societies and Academies of the World ; and Notes on all
matters of current scientific interest.
Yearly ...
Half- Yearly
Quarterly
Money Orders to be made payable to MACMILLAN and CO.,
Office: St. Martin's Street, London, W.C.
THE NJLTXJRALIST:
A MONTHLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
NATURAL HISTORY FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.
EDITED BY
T. SHEPPARD, F.G.S., and T. W. WOODHEAD, F.L.S.,
Museum, Hull; Technical College, Hudderspield ;
WITH THE ASSISTANCE AS REFEREES IN SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS OF
J. GILBERT BAKEH, F.R.S., F.L.S. GEO. T. PORRITT, F.L.S., F.E.S.
PROF. PERCY F. KENDALL, F.G.S. JOHN W. TAYLOR.
T. H. NELSON, M.B.O.U. WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S.
This Journal is one of the oldest Scientific Periodicals in the British Isles, dating
back to 1 833, and is circulated widely amongst the principal Naturalists of the country,
London : A. Bbown and Sons, 5, Farringdon Avenue, E.C.
PRICE, SIXPENCE NET. BY POST SEVENPENCE.
Annual Subscription, 6s. 6d., post free; through Booksellers, 6s. Net,
SUBSCRIPTIONS
TO " NATURE."
& s. d.
18 0
(To all places Abroad).
Yearly
& s.
1 10
d.
Q
0 14 6
Half-Yearly
0 15
6
0 7 6
Quarterly
0 8
0
THE CANADIAN ENTOMOLOGIST.
A Monthly Magazine devoted to the Study of Scientific Entomology.
Volume 46 is now in course of publication. Back volumes can be supplied.
It is the oldest established Magazine of the kind in America, and has a world-wide
circulation. Subscription, $2 per annum, payable in advance, which includes a
copy of the Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario to the
Legislature. Editor, Dr. E. M. "Walker, Biological Department, University of
Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Address : Entomological Society of Ontario, Guelph, Canada.
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS.
A forty-eight page illustrated magazine, issued monthly, except in August and
September, devoted to the study of INSECT LIFE. It contains a resume of the
proceedings of a number of Entomological Societies, and also articles by the leading
Entomologists in the United States and Canada. Valuable information for the
beginner, the economic entomologist, and the systemist. TWO, DOLLARS a year
in advance. Single copies, 25 cents. Address —
Entomological News,
The Academy of Natural Sciences,
1900 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES.
ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OP LONDON, 11, Chandos Street, Cavendish
Square, W. — Wednesdays, October 7th and 21st, November 4th and 18th, Deo.
2nd, 1914. • January 20th (Annual Meeting), Feb. 3rd 1915.
The Chair will be taken at 8 o'clock in the evening precisely.
The Library is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on Saturdays, when it
is closed at 2 p.m.), and until 10 p.m. on Meeting nights.
THE SOUTH LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY
SOCIETY, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge. The Second & Fourth Thursdays
in each month, at 8 p.m. The lantern will be at the disposal of Members for the
exhibition of slides.
THE LONDON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Room 20, Salisbury
House, London Wall, E.C.— The First and Third Tuesdays in the month, at 7 p.m.
Woodford Branch. Meetings are held at the Wilfrid Lawson Hotel, Woodford
Green, at 8 p.m., on the last Monday in each month. Room open at 7.30.
Chingford Branch. The Chingford Local Branch meets at the Avenue Cafe,
opposite Chingford Station, at 8 p.m., on the last Friday in each month.
Visitors are cordially invited to attend with exhibits. — Thos. R. Brooke,
F.R.M.S., Hon. Sec, 12, Warren Road, Chingford, N.E.
LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. —
Meetings : the Third Monday in each Month, October to April. Eon. See.
Wm. Mansbridge, 4, Norwich Road, Wavertree, Liverpool.
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